Renee Shaktivel
Staff Writer
Several changes regarding faculty and leadership positions have happened throughout ISU this semester, and now ISU welcomes two new deans to the College of Science and Engineering (CoSE) and the College of Education.
Scott Snyder was chosen to be the dean for the College of Science and Engineering. He currently serves as the associate vice chancellor for research at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
The College of Education is welcoming Kathryn Hildebrand as its new dean. She was selected with the hope that she will strengthen the university with the community and nearby schools.
“CoSE could really use a new perspective,” said Shaktivel Kadavarayar, a measurement and control engineering graduate student. “I hope the new dean can bring in some new funding and projects for the students, so that students are able to work on projects that are trending now with the latest technology.”
Snyder brings a range of unique qualifications that could greatly benefit the university and move the department to a higher standing. Along with his vice chancellor position, he currently serves as interim executive director and is a biology professor at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He has over 30 publications through individual research.
The beauty of Idaho and its outdoor activities has drawn Snyder away from Nebraska, and students hope that the new addition will provide the college with many upgrades to better the school.
“There is always good and bad in every decision,” Kadavarayar said. “Only time will tell.”
Hildebrand surpassed the committee’s expectations as a candidate. She has served as the dean of the College of Education at Troy University, assistant dean for the College of Education, assistant chair for the Department of Health Sciences, and faculty member at Fresno Pacific College. She earned a master’s degree in education from Stanford and doctorate from Florida State.
“We were looking for a leader with experience in administrative capacities in higher education, or being a department chair or a dean,” said Patti Mortensen, assistant professor and chair of the Department of School Psychology and Education. “All of the departments bring something special to the college, so we were looking for someone who can represent us at this stage. Somebody who can move us forward and help us articulate goals that will align with the university’s strategic plan.”
Both Snyder and Hildebrand will begin their positions this June as ISU fills positions that align with the intentions of growing the university.
“We are excited with our selection and eager to start working with her,” Mortensen said. “She brings some valuable experience that will be helpful to our college.”
