University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee hires dean for College of Science & Mathematics
MANATEE -- The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee will have a new dean for the newly renamed College of Science & Mathematics beginning July 1.
The school will tap Paul Kirchman, science and math chairman at the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College at Florida Atlantic University, as dean. Officials announced the creation of the College of Science & Mathematics in November, at the same time renaming the College of Arts & Sciences the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences, to reflect a growing trend in science, technology, engineering and math education.
"It just looked perfect for me," Kirchman told the Bradenton Herald on Thursday. "When I saw what they were looking to do, I thought I've got a lot of experience with that and it'd be a shame to waste that experience."
Kirchman was a founding member of the FAU honors college in 1999, which serves more than 400 students now. Kirchman said a certain excitement from faculty and students who help get a program up and running is unmatched when stepping into
an existing program.
When USF announced the College of Science & Mathematics, it reflected a shuffling of programs and degrees into different colleges, but doesn't yet include any new programs.
That foundation will help, Kirchman said, since it's not starting from scratch.
"Just coming in and being a caretaker, that's not nearly as attractive as coming in and trying to build new things and start new things," he said.
He's hoping the excitement continues and will help push new, adventurous ideas and opportunities as STEM programs continue to grow at the school.
"Dr. Kirchman is the perfect match to help us launch our College of Science & Mathematics in the fall," USFSM Regional Chancellor Sandra Stone said in a statement.
"As we continue our plan to expand the science, technology, engineering and mathematics programing, it is imperative to have someone who has helped build a college and knows what it takes to engage the community in the entire process. Dr. Kirchman is an excellent candidate to lead that charge."
At USF, Kirchman said he hopes to grow the new college by building on existing math and science programs, adding new faculty and appealing to students who want to pursue medical school as well as careers in allied health, engineering and technology.
Eventually, he said, he wants to work toward creation of a separate campus building dedicated to the STEM fields, also a goal in USF's strategic plan.
"His experience in biology and the sciences along with his vision and expertise as an academic leader will help to guide our STEM efforts for many years to come," Terry Osborn, vice chancellor for academic and student affairs, said in a statement.
A native of St. Petersburg, Kirchman, 51, received a bachelor's degree in biology from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, and a Ph.D. in molecular biology from the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Emory University in Atlanta.
Meghin Delaney, education reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7081. Follow her on Twitter @MeghinDelaney.
This story was originally published May 12, 2016 at 11:30 PM with the headline "University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee hires dean for College of Science & Mathematics ."