To Retire
December 08, 2008
Bowling
Green, Ky. - Dr. Ronald Stephens, associate dean of Western Kentucky University’s Division of Extended
Learning and Outreach and director of the Elizabethtown/Radcliff/Fort Knox Regional Center, has announced his retirement effective Dec. 31.
A retirement reception will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Friday (Dec. 12) in the Regency Room at the Carroll Knicely Conference Center at 2355 Nashville Road in Bowling Green.
Dr. Stephens has more than 30 years of service at WKU, with the last 11 years as director of the Elizabethtown campus, which also includes a WKU presence at Radcliff and at the U.S. Army Post at Fort Knox.
“WKU has been a central part of my life for almost a half-century from my freshman year in 1964, supporting me as I entered the Army for three years and returning to finish my degree, teaching my first college course as a graduate student in 1971, as an adjunct faculty in the psychology department for almost 30 years, and in my job with the Elizabethtown/Radcliff/Fort Knox Center for the past 11 years,” Dr. Stephens said.
WKU began offering classes at Elizabethtown and Fort Knox in the early 1970s and added the Radcliff Regional Educational Center in 2007. Students can complete bachelor and master degrees in several areas without leaving Hardin County through cooperative arrangements between WKU and the Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC).
Dr. Stephens has played an integral part in the strong partnership with ECTC, working to create a smooth transition for community and technical college students who move on to complete their baccalaureate degree at WKU.
“I have seen many changes at WKU over the years, but the core values and spirit within the university community have been a constant,” he said. “I cherish the many good friends and mentors at WKU who over the years have been so important in my life.”
“Ron is a great asset to WKU and to the Elizabethtown community,” said Don Swoboda, dean of the Division of Extended Learning & Outreach. “His leadership and dedication to student success has been responsible for the tremendous growth of WKU’s reputation for quality in the whole Elizabethtown, Fort Knox, Radcliff area. Replacing him isn’t going to be a quick or easy task.”
“Dr. Stephens has provided tremendous leadership in bringing the WKU presence to these communities,” Provost Barbara Burch said. “He is dedicated to serving the needs at the regional campus and made a significant difference for the community and the University.”
Because of the impending growth of the Elizabethtown Center with changes that are taking place on the army post at Fort Knox, Dr. Swoboda plans to analyze the position to decide the best course of action. Dr. Juanita Bayless, associate dean and director of WKU’s Glasgow Regional Center, is going to serve as interim dean, assisted by Dennis George, assistant vice president for academic affairs.
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For information, contact Stacey Biggs at (270) 745-1926.
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