University Times

American U. dean tapped to head General Studies

American University's dean of continuing education and special programs will be the new dean of Pitt's College of General Studies (CGS).

Susan R. Kinsey, who holds a doctorate and a master's degree in French literature from Columbia University, will become CGS dean on Aug. 1.

In announcing the appointment yesterday, Provost James Maher wrote that Kinsey "has extensive background in creative curriculum development, innovative programming, noteworthy marketing strategies and realistic budgeting." The provost expressed confidence that Kinsey would revitalize CGS and make it a conduit for University programs that serve the Pittsburgh area's non-traditional students.

"Dr. Kinsey comes to CGS with over 20 years of experience in continuing education and summer programs management, university teaching, grants administration and university corporate relations," Maher wrote.

The college's last permanent dean, Robert L. Carter, resigned in August 1997 after one year. Jack L. Daniel, who is vice provost for Academic Affairs and who chaired the CGS search committee, is serving as interim dean.

"I was attracted to the position first of all because of the reputation of the University of Pittsburgh," Kinsey said. "It's one of the finest institutions we have, as far as I'm concerned. While the bulk of my background is in private institutions, recently I've been leaning toward public institutions, especially in an urban setting, where the links to the community and workforce development are crucial to the college's mission."

Among her goals, Kinsey cited providing partnership opportunities with area companies for nondegree training programs, reinforcing CGS's adult education component and strengthening marketing strategies for life-long learning programs.

"I also think my challenge is to capitalize on ways that CGS can expand its mission of community outreach," Kinsey said. "I prefer not to focus on the issue of 'program ownership' — I'll deal with that issue, of course — but I'd like to focus on bringing new ideas in partnership with other schools and deans within the University, and provide benefit to CGS through shared and expanded endeavors."

Prior to her position at American University, Kinsey was dean of continuing education and special programs at the American University of Paris (1988-1996); assistant dean for degree and certificate programs, adult division, at the New School for Social Research (1985-1988); and program director at the Institute for Continuing Education, Long Island University (1981-1985).

In addition, she has been a lecturer in French language and literature, University College, Upper Heyford Air Force Base, U.K.; associate director of sponsored programs, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York; and assistant professor of French, Baruch College, CUNY, New York.

Kinsey is on the editorial board of the Journal of Continuing Higher Education.

She earned her bachelor of arts from the University of Maryland magna cum laude.

–Peter Hart