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Beate Schmittmann, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, announced today the appointment of Dr. Kent Kerby as adjunct professor in the Department of Genetics, Development, and Cell Biology (GDCB) and assistant dean for academic student success. The appointment occurs as the college moves from finalizing the LAS 2017-2022 Strategic Plan to implementing the goals and objectives and as the ISU Strategic Plan calls for concerted efforts to ensure student success.

Kerby brings with him a wealth of knowledge and expertise in student advising, recruitment, and support; course, curriculum, and program development; STEM outreach; diversity; fundraising; and academic administration. Many of these are priority areas of focus identified during the LAS strategic planning process. Kerby’s contributions will also help boost the university’s strategic goals of providing an exceptional education and high-impact educational activities at ISU.

“Dr. Kerby’s experience will be a great asset as we embark on realizing ambitious student success goals in our strategic plan,” said Schmittmann. “I am pleased that he has so much to offer to all LAS departments and programs as a central resource.”

Kerby joins the college as a partner hire with Angela Powers, the new director of LAS’ Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication. His responsibilities will encompass LAS student services such as learning communities, study abroad, honors program, and undergraduate research. He will also oversee the LAS pre-health programs and serve as the LAS liaison to ISU Extension and Outreach, in addition to other senior administrative responsibilities.

Kerby is currently the director of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) for Kansas State University’s Office of Student Life and also the associate director of undergraduate studies for the university’s Division of Biology. Kirby earned a Ph.D. in genetics from the University of Alberta. He has a strong record of academic achievement and has earned numerous awards, including a Putting Students First Award, Mortar Board Senior Honor Society Faculty Recognition, and the Women in Engineering and Sciences Program (WESP) Making a Difference Award.

Kerby will officially begin his role on July 1, 2017.