UAH Insight

header.gif

Sue Kirkpatrick discusses her life of 'firsts' at UAH

From where Sue Kirkpatrick is sitting, life couldn’t be sweeter. Last month, UAH’s first female dean (with the exception of the dean of Nursing), announced her retirement from the university after nearly 35 years of service. Kirkpatrick was also the first female at UAH to serve as chair of the Department of Psychology, and the first female tenure earning faculty member in that department. Kirkpatrick is adamant in her belief that 11 years is long enough for anyone to serve as dean. So, on Sept. 30 she officially begins a new chapter in her life. In the accompanying UAH INSIGHT article she reflects on her tenure at UAH and her plans for the future.

UAH INSIGHT: Did you have any connection with UAH before you began your teaching career at the university?
SK: No. The first people I met here were Johanna Shields (Professor Emeritus of History) and her husband, Nick; they were convincing promoters of UAH and Huntsville. I started out at the university as an assistant professor in Psychology. I was the first female tenure earning faculty member and chair in that department.

UAH INSIGHT: During your 11-year tenure as dean you guided the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) through a rebuilding program. Student enrollment and alumni rolls increased, and faculty in the college seems like it doubled. Tell us how you accomplished this amazing feat.
SK: The College has more than doubled in the last 11 years. First and foremost, deans don’t accomplish anything by themselves. The combination of faculty, staff and students accomplish goals, and the dean plays leadership and facilitator roles. There are several things I am proud that the College has accomplished. They include:
• Accreditation by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), and the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
•Increase in majors …. For the last couple of years CLA has been the second largest college on campus, out numbered only by the College of Engineering. It appears that we will drop to the number 3 spot this fall, but only by 6 students.
·The College awarded record numbers of baccalaureate degrees during the period of 2003 —2006. •"Saving" and invigorating the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures. It is now a viable program with international and local internships for majors.
• The new Global Studies and UAH Theatre Programs
• College faculty who embrace the responsibilities of being successful teacher-scholars
• Numerous (over 50%) of UAH Foundation faculty teaching awards and a respectable number of research awards
•The substantial number of CLA students receiving national and regional awards and the faculty members who prepared them

UAH INSIGHT: How do you feel the job as dean changed over the years?
SK: This position changed as a result of me not having an assistant or associate dean. I decided not to fill the position because I wanted more flexible funds for departmental use. I took on the extra work willingly to free up funds for CLA special programs, and I committed myself to attending events sponsored by the different departments.

UAH INSIGHT: Did a good sense of humor help you get through the years on this job?
SK: Oh, did it …. So many times! It helps to surround yourself with people who share a sense of humor and who are good-natured.

UAH INSIGHT: How would you like faculty, administrators, students and alumni to remember you?
SK: One who facilitated their work at UAH and moved the college forward. More importantly, I would like to be remembered as an administrator who provided opportunities within the CLA, who made decisions based on principles, and who upheld standards and maintained academic integrity.

UAH INSIGHT: What are your plans for the future?
SK: Spend time with my family and friends. Ride and enter horse competitions, and reacquaint myself with the piano. I am committed to work on the boards of the Arts Council, Huntsville Symphony and Create Huntsville. I also plan to read, garden, and travel.

UAH INSIGHT: What does the future look like for UAH in the next five years?
SK: UAH is well positioned to move forward in many areas, and I trust that the College of Liberal Arts will be a full participant in doing so (and hopefully with a Performing Arts Center). I’m leaving at a wonderful time … there are few clouds hanging over UAH. It’s a good time for optimism at the university.

**EDITOR’S NOTE: On Oct. 1, Glenn Dasher, department chair and associate professor of Art & Art History, will serve as interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts.