Kristina DuRocher, Ph. D., Named Associate Dean for Academic Affairs – Curricular Innovation and Enrollment Management at RCHSS

KENNESAW, Ga. (May 27, 2022) — Kristina DuRocher, Ph. D., is joining the Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences (RCHSS) as associate dean for Academic Affairs – Curricular Innovation and Enrollment Management. DuRocher is a professor of history and was the faculty executive director of General Education and Curriculum Development for the Office of the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. In her new role beginning July 1st, 2022, DuRocher will work closely with dean Kaukinen and chairs/directors to create responsive, student-focused curriculum that considers modality and scheduling, to meet students where they are. Her focus also includes building connections between RCHSS, the community, and businesses, to increase internship opportunities for RCHSS students and develop micro-credentialing strategies that offer greater accessibility to academic advancement and job opportunities for both for the students and the public.

"I am honored and excited to join RCHSS in this role. This position focuses on the heart of what we do as a university: creating, maintaining, offering, and evaluating a high-quality curriculum. I look forward to working with faculty and staff to demonstrate how the humanities and social sciences prepare students for success in the current and future workforce."

“Dr. DuRocher is a fantastic addition to RCHSS. We are addressing our students’ needs in today’s economy, building skills, and preparing them for the workplace. Whether students are coming directly from high school or returning to finish a degree after having been in the workplace for a few years, I believe her ability to factor these multiple considerations into our strategic planning will be indispensable as we move forward,” said dean Kaukinen.

Prior to her work at Kennesaw State University, Dr. DuRocher served as a faculty member at Morehead State University where she was the history program coordinator for a decade, overseeing the program’s curriculum, including degree requirements and General Education offerings. In this position she oversaw program assessment, competed accreditation reports, and engaged in ongoing program review. She was responsible for supervising and hiring adjunct faculty, creating teaching schedules, and organizing program events and activities.  As coordinator, she championed and advocated for the history program and the value of the humanities to internal and external stakeholders. She also served as the interim director of Education Abroad where she developed a strategic plan to increase credit earning international experiences, collaborated with faculty to shape curriculum, and developed a new process for creating faculty led programs. In this role Dr. DuRocher also worked to recruit and advise students, transfer academic credits, and ensure compliance with overseas, national, regional, state, and local regulations. She was also responsible for assessment reports, developing and offering workshops and orientations, and program budgets. Dr. DuRocher was nominated for Distinguished Researcher and awarded the Distinguished Faculty Service and Apple Award for Educational Excellence.