Contact: Elaine Warren, Edwards Campus, (913) 897-8411.
LAWRENCE - In response to continued and projected expansion of academic programs at the University of Kansas Edwards Campus in Overland Park, KU officials today named the campus' current dean, Robert M. Clark, to the new post of vice chancellor for the Edwards Campus.
"The Edwards Campus has witnessed phenomenal growth in the past few years," KU Chancellor Robert Hemenway said. "That growth, coupled with the university's commitment to continue developing Edwards Campus programs to meet Greater Kansas City's need for a highly trained, professional work force, demands this change in administrative structure. We are fortunate to have in Bob Clark someone with the academic experience and leadership suited for this important new position."
Dean of the Edwards Campus since 1997, Clark holds a Ph.D. in educational administration from Syracuse University in New York. He previously was dean of the School of Management at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo.
"This is a wonderful time to be a part of the University of Kansas. KU's commitment to Greater Kansas City has never been more resolute," Clark said. "I look forward to working more closely with the academic deans, provost and chancellor as we identify the most significant ways our academic programs and research can strategically support the development of our work force, economy and community."
Tailoring courses for working adults, the Edwards Campus currently offers 17 graduate degree programs. Enrollment has grown from several hundred students in the late 1970s in the original facility at 99th and Mission, to 2,300 students a semester on the Edwards Campus, which opened at 126th and Quivira in 1993.
"Vice Chancellor Clark will lead an aggressive analysis of how the Edwards campus can not only continue collaborating with our nationally prominent academic programs on the Lawrence campus and at the Medical Center but also develop academic programs unique to the Edwards Campus and the region," said Provost David Shulenburger.
"A task force is looking at creation of a School of Information Science and Technology. The University of Kansas is eager to address the crucial need for information technology graduates in the metropolitan area. We believe KU is in a position to offer unparalleled academic opportunities for working adults."
During the past three years, the Edwards Campus has added eight graduate programs - such as electrical engineering and computer science, business information systems, construction management, and an online doctorate in pharmacy - in direct response to the expressed needs of regional employers.
A Center for Metropolitan Studies, which supports economic and public policy development, opened in January. In the coming academic year, the campus will offer other new programs: a joint degree in business administration and health services administration begins this fall and a master's degree program in international studies will begin in spring 2001.
In cooperation with Johnson County Community College, the Edwards Campus also this fall will offer a two-year certificate program in systems analysis and design.
The Edwards Campus is in the initial stages of a $71.2 million expansion to its physical plant, which will add three buildings to the campus during the next 10 years.