March 17, 2015
Colleagues:
Undergraduate Studies was established in 1994 for the purpose of providing educational experiences to ensure student success. The unit's mission is to provide a dynamic and engaging environment for maximizing the academic and personal potential of each student, while fostering a successful transition from high school through to graduation. On March 11, 2015, the Kent State University Board of Trustees voted to revise the academic structure and name of the division of Undergraduate Studies to the University College, effective Fall 2015.
As the home for Exploratory majors, the University College (Undergraduate Studies) serves the largest population of first-year students, with nearly 650 Exploratory students admitted to the Kent campus each academic year. The unit provides a structured and coherent process to assist students in identifying areas of interest and selecting a major. In addition to working with Exploratory students, the University College (Undergraduate Studies) annually serves more than 15,000 Kent State students through departmental offerings including Destination Kent State, the First Year Experience course, and the Academic Success Center, and is responsible for the coordination of many university-wide educational experiences, including Undergraduate Research, Degree Completion Program, Dual Enrollment and Postsecondary Enrollment, and university tutoring and supplemental instruction. The college has recently moved to the Center for Undergraduate Excellence, in the newly-renovated Lake/Olson Hall. Additional information on the departments, programs, and services offered is available at www.kent.edu/undergradstudies.
We have launched an internal search for Dean of the University College, and invite applications for this position anticipated to begin on July 1. The successful candidate will have eight to nine years of university leadership experience and a strong understanding of the factors that impact the student experience. A doctoral or terminal degree in a relevant field is required. The internal job announcement, which provides greater specificity regarding the position and the application process, has now been posted and can be found on jobs.kent.edu. Review of applications will begin on March 31.
I would like to encourage any of you who believe that you have the qualifications for this position and wish to serve the university in this capacity, to apply for the position. Similarly, if you know of others in the Kent State community who may be qualified and interested, I ask that you encourage them to apply.
Additional information on the search can be found at https://www.kent.edu/provost/university-college-dean-search.
Sincerely,
Todd A. Diacon, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost