Baker@150.CAS.Progress.013

August 18, 2003

This is volume one, number three of an electronic bulletin designed to chronicle the planning process and organizational development within CAS as we join the rest of the University in the Baker@150 campaign for campus-wide growth and improvement. Baker@150.CAS.Progress is produced by Dr. Jamie Comstock, Vice President and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, in collaboration with contributors from across CAS.

We’re getting the right people on the bus!

Associate Dean Position filled:

Ziegler Makes the Move Back to Fulltime Administration

Rand Ziegler, Chair of the Psychology Department and Director of Assessment and Institutional Research, assumes the role of Associate Dean for Faculty and Administrative Services effective today. He was selected upon unanimous recommendation of the Search Committee, after an interview and luncheon with him last week.

Dr. Ziegler (Ph.D. West Virginia University) brings more than 20 years of Baker experience with him to this key position in our new organizational structure. Over the years, his contributions to our instructional mission earned him the rank of Professor, the Distinguish Faculty Award, and the Kopke Award for Distinguished Teaching.

The Associate Dean’s leadership role requires a sound understanding of administrative processes. Therefore, the committee was impressed that Rand also is an experienced administrator, having served as Social Science Division Chair from 1978-1988; Associate Dean and Registrar from 1988-91; and Psychology Department Chair from 1986 to the present. In addition, he was Director of Testing for 10 years and has served as Director of Assessment and Institutional Research for the last 12 years.

Rand’s Baker background also includes a stint as Assistant Baseball Coach and Assistant Football Coach. So, his knowledge resources have the academic, administrative, and athletic bases covered. Rand is a much needed and welcomed addition to the CAS Administrative Team.

Rest assured that the Psychology Department remains in good hands despite Rand’s departure. Dr. Rob Flaherty will serve as Acting Chair and has already adjusted the Time Table of Classes in a way that meets students’ needs.

Cindy Novelo Finds Her Niche in the LRC

Cindy Novelo, Executive Office Supervisor in the President’s Office, becomes the LRC Special Services Coordinator, effective Wednesday, August 20.

As Special Services Coordinator Cindy will provide instructional support and academic services to students with disabilities, minority students, international students, and those who need special testing environments. In collaboration with Annette Pierce, LRC Assistant, Cindy also will be responsible for creating awareness of the LRC programs and promoting student/faculty use of the services offered.

When searching for the Coordinator, we looked for someone who could develop and maintain all of these aspects of the LRC special services, with an emphasis placed on initiatives designed to support the University’s strategic planning goal of enhancing cultural diversity within the College. Cindy easily stood out among all of the applicants as a person uniquely qualified for that job.

Beyond her three years in the President’s Office, Cindy (B.S. French, Kansas University) spent two years as a Student Abroad Advisor and Program Coordinator at KU. She speaks four languages fluently, has lived and worked abroad for 16 years, and is widely traveled. The move to the LRC allows Cindy to move back in to a student services role and put the combination of her Baker experience and her unique international background to use for students with special instructional support needs. In addition, she is prepared to launch new initiatives designed to “internationalize” the campus is ways that should attract international students and promote cultural awareness for all of us.

Records Coordinator from KU Joins Baker

Lori Spurge assumes the position as Records Coordinator in the Office of Records and Registration, effective Tuesday, September 2.  Lori has the ideal educational and professional background need for this position. She has a master’s in education which emphasized student affairs administration and six years experience spanning in a variety of academic student services areas, including undergraduate advising, enrollment and registration, transfer evaluation, degree tracking, and records management.  These experiences coupled with her excellent interpersonal skills make Lori an outstanding candidate for this highly student centered position.

Office Assistant to Provide Support for VP & Dean’s Office

Pat Lynch arrives on campus tomorrow to fill the newly created role of Office Assistant in VP/Dean of CAS office. Pat has extensive professional office experience, most recently as Development Assistant for the KU Endowment Association. Reporting to Karen Zuzzio, Pat will serve as receptionist; coordinate the collection of course syllabi and student evaluations; maintain the professional development grant records; and be actively involved in event planning.

Assistant Dean Search Underway

The Assistant Dean Search Committee narrowed the 27 applicants for the job down to three candidates. The three top candidates are being interview this week, with a decision anticipated by next week. We are grateful to the Search Committee members for their service on this selection committee, especially during these last few precious days of summer break.

Here’s to a fun and productive Opening Week!