In an effort to breathe new life and diversity into academics at the College, the administration has recently created and filled the position of the Dean for Academic Advancement. A committee of faculty, staff, and students helped to select Kassie Freeman, currently the Dean of Educational and Psychological Studies at Dillard University in New Orleans, as the first to hold the position at Bowdoin.
In a letter sent out to the College community, President Barry Mills announced that the position had been created for a trial period of three years, set to begin in August 2005, and "has been established to improve existing programs and to identify new strategies to ensure the academic success and excellence of all students, and to develop strategies that will enable Bowdoin to attract and retain a diverse faculty."
"My time at Bowdoin will be to work with the entire community?the students, the faculty, and staff?to help every student achieve their academic potential and...to see that we're going to have the faculty the community supports and agrees that they would like to see at Bowdoin," said Freeman in a telephone interview.
Mills' letter also announced that the Dean for Academic Advancement will be a member of the senior staff and will report directly to the Dean for Academic Affairs, Craig McEwen, and to President Mills himself.
Freeman, in addition to being a dean at Dillard University, is a Professor of Education there. She graduated from Tuskegee University and received her Ph.D. from Emory University. Prior to her appointment at Dillard, Freeman was an assistant Professor of Education at Vanderbilt University. Freeman has also authored and edited many books and received several awards.
In 1994, President Bill Clinton appointed Freeman to the Board of Advisors of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, where she served until 2001.She is also a former president of The Comparative and International Education Society.
Her biography on the Dillard University web site lists her research interests as cultural consideration related to African Americans and college choice, and comparative and international issues related to higher education and the labor market.
"I would like to utilize the experience I have developed over the years to lead the College and the planning process for the community," Freeman said. "My role will be to work with the community to see their wishes carried out."
In his letter, Mills mentioned the "important commitment to creating a diverse faculty here at Bowdoin."
"The educational experiences of all individuals are enhanced by a diverse community," Freeman said. "The background and experiences of different individuals of a community increase and enhance the knowledge and experiences of the entire community."
"This is an ideal time for me to be joining the Bowdoin College family," Freeman said. "I am absolutely delighted."