Wells College is pleased to announce that Jaclyn Schnurr, Professor of Biology and Environmental Science, has been named Dean of Faculty.
Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Susan Henking said Schnurr will co-chair the upcoming work of reaffirming the college’s accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, focus on general education efforts within the college, and take on special projects.
“Jackie joined Wells in August 2004 and has been a leader in the classroom, faculty governance, and beyond, since her arrival,” Henking said. “Bringing wisdom, a sense of humor, commitment to liberal education and to our students, as well as a depth of experience to the role, I look forward to working closely with her.”
Schnurr said the Dean of Faculty position had been discussed for several years and with the next Middle States review on the horizon, now seemed like the right time to move forward in the new role.
“I am taking on this role because I believe in the liberal arts and that the fundamental vision of Wells College as a community of learners is important for the future,” Schnurr said.
One goal Schnurr hopes to accomplish as Dean of Faculty would be to create a Professional Learning Community with the newest iteration of the Middle States review. In addition, she will help lead place-based campus initiatives.
“This is the third time that I will be co-chairing the review since I started at Wells, and I believe that with all stakeholders working together to create the foundation of a PLC we will have a great place to start our self-study,” Schnurr said.
Before Wells, Schnurr received her bachelor’s degree in natural resources from Cornell University and her doctorate in biology from Idaho State University. She has postdoctoral experience working for the University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology Lab and received her first teaching position at Sheldon Jackson College in Sitka, Alaska.
As Dean of Faculty, Schnurr hopes to continue teaching some of her favorite courses within the Environmental Science Department. She knows her colleagues have always trusted her to represent them fairly and hopes to earn their respect and work with them toward their goals.
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