Kansas State University

Christie Launius named associate dean for student success in College of Arts and Sciences

Submitted by Marcia Locke

Following an internal search, Christie Launius has been named associate dean for student success, engagement and undergraduate studies for Kansas State University's College of Arts and Sciences, effective June 9.

Launius is an associate professor in the social transformation studies department, where she has been serving as interim head since June 2023. She joined the gender, women and sexuality studies department in 2018 and served as head until its merger with American ethnic studies to form the social transformation studies department in 2022.

"I am very excited to have Dr. Launius join our college's leadership team," said Chris Culbertson, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. "She has over 20 years of experience administering and developing undergraduate academic programs and student support systems. We are excited for her to apply her experience and education to help grow our college."

Launius is co-author of an introductory women's and gender studies textbook, now in its third edition, as well as a book about teaching the introductory women's and gender studies course. She co-edited the award-winning book, "Routledge International Handbook of Working-Class Studies" and has published widely on narratives of upward mobility obtained via education. She received college and university support to attend the selective HERS Leadership Institute for higher education professionals.

As associate dean for student success, engagement and undergraduate studies, Launius will oversee all aspects of the student experience, from admission to graduation. She will develop, plan and implement student success initiatives, oversee the training and professional development of advisors, respond to academic integrity and other student issues, and assist with awarding scholarships, overseeing interdisciplinary programs and planning the college budget.

"My career-long commitment to student success comes from my own experiences navigating higher ed as a first-generation student from a working-class background," Launius said. "It will be an honor to lead the college's efforts in student success and engagement, and I am excited to work with the staff in the Center for Student Success and Engagement, having gotten to know them in my capacity as a department head the past six years."

Before joining K-State, Launius led women's and gender studies programs at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and Augusta University in Georgia. She received a master's degree in English from Illinois State University, a master's degree in women's studies from the University of Cincinnati, and a doctorate in English from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.