Update from the Provost

 2 MIN. READ

Dear Students,

I am writing to tell you about an upcoming change in the academic structure of Anderson University. Effective in the fall of 2023, the number of academic deans at Anderson University will be reduced from six to four. This changes our academic administration to a level that is consistent with other universities of our size. This will not have an impact on the courses that are required for your majors. This does not change academic departments. This does not change departmental spaces or locations, but is an adjustment in how we organize the reporting structure of academic leadership at the university.

AU has always changed and we’ve varied in our number of academic deans, depending on the moment in history. This new organizational structure won’t negatively impact your opportunity to grow in your academic disciplines, graduate as planned, or be qualified to obtain jobs or apply to graduate school after graduation. 

The ways that AU will be organized differently are as follows:

  • Departments and majors that are in the School of Science & Engineering and the Falls School of Business will be organized into an academic unit led by Dr. Lonnie Leeper beginning in the fall of 2023. 
  • Departments and majors that are in the School of Theology & Christian Ministries and the School of Music, Theatre, & Dance will be organized into an academic unit led by Dr. Nathan Willowby beginning in the fall of 2023.
  • There are no changes in the dean leadership or departmental structure for the School of Nursing & Kinesiology, led by Dr. Lynn Schmidt.
  • There are no changes in the dean leadership or departmental structure for the School of Humanities, Education, & Behavioral Sciences, led by Dr. Elizabeth Imafuji.

It is important to note that these changes form administrative units with a variety of disciplines included. This is exactly how the School of Humanities, Education, & Behavioral Sciences has functioned for many years. In this case, a dean who has earned a Ph.D. in English oversees departments representing the varied disciplines of English, History, Modern Languages, Education, Political Science, Psychology, Social Work, and Criminal Justice.

An academic structure does not limit what you are capable of. I look forward to seeing the great things that you will do long after today with your AU education. If you are concerned about this impacting you specifically, I would be happy to discuss this with you. Please schedule an appointment with me by contacting my administrative assistant, Mrs. Ward, and we can talk about your academic concerns.

As you prepare for your final exams and work to finish the work of this semester, my prayers are with you. My hope is that you will have time to reflect on the wonder of this season of Advent, when we celebrate the love of Jesus, who is Emmanuel – God with us.

Blessings,

Dr. Courtney Taylor
Office of the Provost
Executive Offices  |  Decker Hall 

Anderson University is on a mission to educate students for lives of faith and service, offering more than 60 undergraduate majors, 30 three-year degrees, 20 NCAA Division III intercollegiate sports, alongside adult and graduate programs. The private, liberal arts institution is fully accredited and recognized among top colleges for its business, computer science, cybersecurity, dance, engineering, nursing, and teacher education programs. Anderson University was established in 1917 in Anderson, Indiana, by the Church of God.