Second Arts and Sciences dean candidate visits campus

Angelo Gargaro

The College of Arts and Sciences dean search moved into round two Friday, when the second candidate visited campus. Now halfway done, the final two candidates will visit campus next week.

Tim Moerland, the second candidate, is a professor and chair of biological sciences at Florida State University. While visiting Kent State, he followed a strict schedule, with time set aside to meet with students. The following responses are from a one-on-one interview with Moerland.

Q: How did you get involved with Kent State to be one of the candidates for the dean search?

A: The primary contact came through a search firm that the search committee had.

Q: What’s so appealing about Kent State?

A: I think there’s a lot of excitement on campus, and there’s a sense of being able to move forward. There’s a lot of tremendous potential here.

Q: What do you think the difference between Kent State and Florida State is?

A: There are a lot more similarities than differences. The arts and sciences at Kent State and Florida State are both the core of liberal arts education. I believe firmly in the liberal arts tradition. There is no better foundation to go forward into the world than to come out with a liberal studies education.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about Kent State so far?

A: The energy. There’s a real sense of potential, and I want to turn that potential into a really good opportunity.

Q: What do you think you have to offer to the university?

A: A little bit of experience and better perspective. I like working with people — a lot. I like working with people to build something.

Donald Hall, the third candidate in the dean search, will come from West Virginia University to visit campus today. Students will have the opportunity to meet him from 10:30 to 11 a.m. in Room 102 of Bowman Hall.

Contact the College of Arts and Sciences reporter Angelo Gargaro [email protected].