December 16, 2019
Craft named interim department chair
Debbie Mercer, dean of the College of Education, officially announced Christy Craft, professor of student affairs, has been named interim chair of the department of special education, counseling and student affairs. The two-year appointment will begin with the 2020-2021 academic year.
Craft will replace Ken Hughey, professor of special education, counseling and student affairs, who has served as department chair for 12 years.
Craft joined the faculty in 2005 and teaches both online and on-campus courses in the master's in academic advising, master's in college student development and doctorate in student affairs in higher education programs. Her research primarily focuses on issues related to spirituality and religion in the higher education environment, with a special focus on Christianity in public higher education.
She recently completed her second term as a university ombudsperson and has been recognized for her scholarly contributions. Craft has authored or co-authored numerous publications and been awarded or nominated for several awards. In 2018, Craft was recognized as the Outstanding Faculty Member for NASPA IV-West, a region that spans 10 Midwestern states and two Canadian provinces. In 2010, Craft was the recipient of the Michael C. Holen Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award, and in 2008, she received the Excellence in Advising Award from the College of Education.