Dr. Hung-Tao (Michael) Chen, Ph.D. Announced as Associate Dean of Student Success and Engagement

KENNESAW, Ga. (Apr 12, 2023) —

Dean Katie Kaukinen announced Dr. Hung-Tao (Michael) Chen, Ph.D., as Associate Dean of Student Success and Inclusive Engagement effective July 1st. In this role, Dr. Chen will lead and advance the student success mission of the Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences (RCHSS), overseeing its initiatives in the areas of recruitment, retention, student engagement and excellence, experiential and service learning, and time to graduation.

Kennesaw State believes that doing is the key to learning, which is why we are focused on inclusive engaged learning opportunities and giving more students the chance to learn by doing. These opportunities allow students to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to the real world. Through internships, undergraduate research, and service-learning, students also gain unparalleled opportunities to hone their critical thinking and communication skills. 

"Student success and inclusive engagement start with empathizing with the students, hearing their stories, and understanding their struggles," Chen said. "Once mutual understanding and trust are established, research-informed and data-driven strategies can be implemented. I hope to collaborate with different offices and stakeholders to support student success. After all, as the saying goes, "it takes a village" to foster a community of engaged students.”

"We appreciate the energy and enthusiasm that Dr. Chen has demonstrated for this important work," said Dean Kaukinen.

Dr. Michael Chen is currently the Chair of the Psychology Department at Eastern Kentucky University. He received his Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from the University of Kentucky. As a first-generation college student and first-generation immigrant, Dr. Chen is uniquely positioned to promote student success and engagement. He is the recipient of the 2021 Outstanding Undergraduate Mentor Award from the Kentucky Psychological Foundation. He is also the recipient of the 2021 Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) Award and the recipient of the 2018 Faculty Innovation in Teaching Award from Eastern Kentucky University. Dr. Chen's research focuses on teaching and learning-related topics, with publications in journals such as the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, Educational Technology Research and Development, and Scholarship of Teaching and Learning in Psychology.