As we prepare for the start of a new semester there are several staffing updates I want to provide as they intersect with work across the College.
(1) Writing Center Director/Co-Director of the Writing Program
Although not brand new to Edgewood College (she has taught in the School of Education), Deb Kruse-Field started in this new role on August 6th. Deb has a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Literacy, as well as deep experience as a writing teacher. As she explains, "My teaching and research centers around writing as engaging, how it can be meaningful, relational, and transformative for ourselves and for others. How and why, for instance, can students and teachers write skillfully and with an ethical heart?"
In addition to directing the Writing Center, Deb will be working closely with English Department faculty member Stefan Hagemann, as they co-direct a Writing Program in fulfillment of one of the named priorities in our Strategic Framework. More to come from Deb and Stefan on this collaborative effort!
(2) Ethnic Studies Director
With the start of this academic year, Ashley Byock, (English Department) is serving as the Director of Ethnic Studies. Ashley's own teaching and scholarly expertise demonstrates her commitment to this interdisciplinary area of study -- in her own words, an interest stemming from, "a commitment to a vision of Ethnic Studies as a hub for scholarship, academics, curriculum, student mentoring, and community engagement around studies of race and ethnicity."
(3) Interim Co-Director for the Center Global Education
For this academic year, Rebecca Meier-Rao (Religious Studies) will work with co-director Sara Friar, to grow our global education initiatives. Rebecca brings scholarly, teaching, and lived experience to this role with particular expertise in Latin America that will be important for continuing momentum. She finds it an "honor to be in a position that works to shape global citizens by strengthening and expanding the multicultural experiences of our Edgewood College community."
(4) Environmental Studies Interim Director
Since Jake Griffin is on sabbatical this fall semester, I am grateful that Belkis Cerrato (Social Sciences/Economics) is stepping in to steward the ENVS Program. Belkis has been an active member of the advisory board and regularly teaches courses that enhance interdisciplinary perspectives on important social issues on which our students study, reflect, and act through the ENVS curriculum.
I know all of our above colleagues are genuinely looking forward to collaborations at this time at the College and in the world that is so ripe for envisioning possibilities.