KEARNEY – Megan Adkins has been named interim dean of Graduate Studies and Academic Innovation at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Julie Shaffer announced the appointment Thursday, pending approval from the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.
A UNK faculty member since 2008, Adkins brings extensive experience in graduate and online education to the position. She previously served as associate dean of Graduate Studies and Academic Innovation and led campuswide initiatives in areas such as artificial intelligence and microcredentials.
Adkins has been nationally recognized for her cutting-edge practices in online education and digital pedagogy.
A Laurel native, she earned a bachelor’s degree in K-12 health and physical education and community health from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a master’s degree in physical education with an emphasis in special populations from UNK and a doctorate in teacher education and instructional technology from UNL.
She was a public school teacher for six years before joining UNK.
Also a professor of health and physical education, Adkins is involved in numerous service and scholarly-based activities within her professional organizations and community and at the university level. Her research interests include pedagogy, teacher preparation, XR technology advancements, online educational practices and STEM.
As interim dean of Graduate Studies and Academic Innovation, she’ll continue overseeing academic innovation initiatives, online education and graduate studies. UNK offers more than 30 graduate programs with over 50 options and 20-plus degree programs available online.
Adkins succeeds Mark Ellis, who served as dean for seven years.