Gaeddert promoted to associate dean of academics and student success at Polytechnic
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
SALINA — Terri Gaeddert, director of the School of Integrated Studies at Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus, has been promoted to associate dean of academics and student success.
Gaeddert joined K-State Polytechnic in 2017 as director of academic operations after serving as associate dean and director of teacher education at Sterling College. She has been integrated studies director for the past three years and is transitioning to the associate dean role with the campus's continued growth and new global aviation initiative.
"Dr. Gaeddert's leadership in innovative curriculum development and dynamic faculty collaboration in her previous positions has cultivated an academic environment at K-State Polytechnic focused on student achievement," said Alysia Starkey, CEO of the campus and dean of the College of Technology and Aviation. "As we keep students at the center of all we do, I'm excited to watch Dr. Gaeddert in this new role utilize her passion for education to continue to advance the academic experience and foster the wellbeing of our students."
As associate dean of academics and student success, Gaeddert is responsible for facilitating the development and implementation of undergraduate and graduate curricula and providing oversight in all program reviews and accreditation processes. She will coordinate the creation and completion of transfer agreements with partner institutions as well as strengthen international programs and partnerships. Gaeddert will support efforts for student retention and progression by collaborating with academic advising, student support services and student life staff. Coordinating faculty development and mentoring programs also will support continuous improvement of the educational experience. And because she is a member of the dean's leadership team, Gaeddert will provide counsel to administration and will contribute to campus goal setting.
During her tenure as school director, Gaeddert led efforts to successfully renew AABI accreditation for the professional pilot degree option, transition to a new timeline for annual assessments, and reinstate an industry advisory day to strengthen connections to business and industry. She worked with faculty to establish a two-year rotation of course offerings to assist students with degree completion timelines and reduce the number of credits required for degree completion. Gaeddert also oversaw a renovation of space to increase classroom size and technology, upgraded faculty to new laptops, wrote grants to provide opportunities to collaborate with K-12 schools and improve facilities, and ensured every lab class had hands-on equipment available for student use.
"I am excited to continue our collaborative efforts to improve the comprehensive experience of Polytechnic students," said Gaeddert. "This campus provides amazing opportunities for students to grow and become successful in their careers and beyond. The unique educational approach and the mission of the campus drew me here three years ago. Now, it is the faculty, staff and students who keep me energized and focused on making sure the experience matters."
A native of Ogallala, Nebraska, Gaeddert has a doctorate in educational leadership from Wichita State University, a master's in teaching from Friends University and a bachelor's in mathematics and computer science from Chadron State College. Before working in higher education, she was a high school teacher, technology specialist and coach.
