Blackburn College has announced the appointment of Dr. Julie Murray-Jensen as its 17th President. Dr. Murray-Jensen will be on campus in Carlinville, Illinois, beginning January 14, 2019. Dr. Murray-Jensen is currently the Vice President of Enrollment and External Affairs and Executive Director of the KCC Foundation for Klamath Community College in Klamath Falls, Oregon. She has held previous positions with University of Virginia, Pacific University, University of Minnesota, University of Pittsburgh, University of Nebraska—Kearney, Bowling Green—Ohio, and the University of Nebraska—Lincoln. She earned her B.S. degree from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln in 1991. She received her Master’s degree in Education from Bowling Green—Ohio in 1994, and her Ed.D. from Oregon State University in 2018. Additional information is available here.
The University of New England has appointed Dr. Jennifer Audette as the new Program Director for its Doctor of Physical Therapy Program. Dr. Audette, a Clinical Associate Professor in the Physical Therapy Department at University of Rhode Island, is an active member of the APTA, Health Volunteers Overseas, and the World Confederation for Physical Therapy. She initiated the Broadening Experience at URI, which allows students to broaden their view of the profession of physical therapy locally, nationally and internationally through two-week non-clinical experiences. She has done physical therapy related work in China, Haiti, Suriname, and Guatemala. Dr. Audette earned a Ph.D. in Education from University of Rhode Island, an advanced Master's degree in physical therapy from Boston University and B.S. in physical therapy from Northeastern University.
The Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education has unanimously selected Dr. Aaron Thompson as its fourth President. Dr. Thompson currently serves as the Council's Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer. He is the first Kentucky native and African-American to hold the position since the Council was formed 21 years ago. For more information about the appointment, please see the announcement on the Kentucky CPE website by clicking here.
The Board of Trustess of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities has announced the appointment of Eric Davis to the role of Vice Chancellor for Human Resources. Davis has over 23 years of progressive experience in human resources management. He has served the Minnesota Department of Transportation in various capacities including his current role as Chief of Staff since 2013. Previously, he served as enterprise risk management project director from 2012-2013, as human resources director from 2008-2012, and as assistant director of the Office of Workforce Development from 2003-2005. He also served the Stillwater Area Public Schools as human resources supervisor from 2005 to 2008. Davis is an Air Force Reserve officer serving as the IMA deputy commander for the 30th Space Wing at Vandenberg Air Force Base since 2016, and also served as the national ombudsman for the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) from 2000 to 2016. He holds a bachelor’s degree from James Madison University (VA) and a master’s from Chapman University (CA). More information is available here.
San Jose State University has appointed Ms. Christine S. Huchins as its new Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications and Marketing. Christine brings over 25 years of related experience and accomplishments in communications, marketing and external relations to the position. Previously, Ms. Hutchins served as Associate Vice President and Chief Communications Officer at San Diego State University where she served as an executive member of the President's Cabinet. She holds a B.A. from the University of Chicago and an M.B.A. from MIT's Sloan School of Management.
The Board of Trustees of the City Colleges of Chicago has appointed Dr. Shawn Jackson as the new President of Harry S Truman College. Dr. Jackson has served as Interim President of the College since 2017. Prior to coming to City Colleges, Dr. Jackson served as the Chief Officer of Leadership and Learning at the Chicago Public Schools. He holds a Ph.D. from Loyola University (Chicago), a M.A. from St. Xavier University, and a B.A. from Northeastern Illinois University.
The North Dakota State Board of Higher Education has named Dr. Alan LaFave as the next President of Valley City State University. Dr. LaFave currently serves as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Northern State University in Aberdeen, South Dakota.
For more details read the announcement here.
Liberty University has announced the appointment of Dr. Mark F. Horstemeyer as the new Dean of the School of Engineering.
Dr. Horstemeyer comes to Liberty University from Mississippi State University, where he has taught computational manufacturing and design as a Giles Distinguished Professor. He also served as Chair for Computational Solid Mechanics in the University’s Center for Advanced Vehicular Systems (CAVS), one of the world’s premier automotive research centers. As a global pioneer in Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME), Dr. Horstemeyer is the founder and President of two start-up companies: Predictive Design Technologies and Yobel Technologies.
Dr. Horstemeyer holds a Ph.D. from the Georgia Institute of Technology, a Master of Science from Ohio State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from West Virginia University.
To view additional information about the appointment, please click here.
Agnes Scott College has appointed Carlee A. Bishop as their next Director of Applied Technology. Dr. Bishop received her Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Auburn University and has most recently served as Principal Research Engineer at Georgia Tech Research Institute.