July 14, 2014
Dear Academic Affairs Colleagues:
I am pleased to announce that Dr. David Dees was appointed Director of the Faculty Professional Development Center (FPDC), effective July 1. Dr. Dees has served as Interim Director since July 2013. He is an Associate Professor in the School of Foundations, Leadership and Administration. David has a strong record of service including membership in the Faculty Senate, Chair of the Salem Campus Faculty Council, Co- Director of the Rural Scholars Program, and Co-Chair of the LER/Core Committee.
During his tenure as Interim Director, Dr. Dees led the FPDC Redesign Steering Committee which was charged with examining the direction of the center, reviewing faculty development services available at Kent State, and clarifying FPDC's mission and focus. In May, the steering committee presented me with their final report and recommendations for the future of the Faculty Professional Development Center, which include:
- Refocusing the center's mission towards teaching and learning;
- Significant increases in the staffing to support expanded offerings;
- Creation of a virtual university-wide clearinghouse of
- information to ease faculty access to available support services; and
- Adjustments to the center's advisory council to be more representative of the current structure of the university.
As Director, Dr. Dees will provide leadership in implementing the committee's recommendations and refocusing the center as a unit that specifically focuses on teaching, learning innovation, and educational support.
Please join me in congratulating David on his appointment. Sincerely,
Todd A. Diacon, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost