Vice Chancellor for University Relations, 308.865.8529
UNK – University of Nebraska at Kearney dean of the College of Natural and Social Sciences has accepted a position as dean of the College of Social Sciences at St. Cloud (Minnesota) Stat Francis “Frank” Harrold, who has been dean of the UNK College of Natural and Social Sciences since 2000, will begin at St. Cloud on July 15. Before joining the UNK campus, Dean Harrold was chair of the sociology and anthropology department at University of Texas-Arlington from 1995-2000.
At UNK, Dean Harrold oversees 11 departments, including Health Sciences, and approximately 100 full-time faculty. At St. Cloud, which has an enrollment of nearly 17,000 students, he will oversee seven departments, 130 faculty and five centers.
“At UNK, natural and social sciences has had success working with faculty to advance the teacher/scholar model and enhance student research,” Dean Harrold said. “We have also increased external funding for research through grants and earmarks, and natural and social sciences has been able to compete very successfully in the NU system for funding by having programs identified as priority programs for Programs of Excellence support.”
In announcing Dean Harrold’s acceptance of a position at St. Cloud to the campus, Dr. Finnie Murray, senior vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, said, “I value and appreciate the leadership Dean Harrold gave to the College of Natural Social Sciences and to UNK over the period of his tenure here. I am personally and deeply indebted to him for the quality of work as dean and for the many large and important services he has provided.”
Dr. Robert Rycek, who has served as the associate dean for the UNK College of Natural and Social Sciences, will serve as interim dean of the college, pending approval by the NU Board of Regents.
