“In looking for a dean, we were looking for an individual who would both provide stability to the school, while also inspiring growth and ingenuity in our academic programs,” commented Vice President for Academic Affairs Carrie Cokely. “Kathleen brings to the role over three decades of experience at Alfred State and a decade of academic leadership in both Student Success and in the School of Arts & Sciences. Her knowledge of and commitment to the institution, our academic programs, and our students, faculty, and staff will serve the School of Arts & Sciences well, and I look forward to the continued success under her leadership.”
“It has been my pleasure and privilege to work at Alfred State for most of my career,” commented Casey. “I am excited about this new role as Dean of Arts & Sciences. It is an honor to be selected to represent the school which is flourishing with dedicated faculty, strong associate and bachelor’s degree programs, and a steady incline in enrollment.”
Casey came to Alfred State in 1993 and taught mathematics and moved through the ranks of assistant professor, associate professor, and full professor. She also served as the department chair for mathematics and physics, for over twenty years before moving into academic leadership.
She served as the Director of the Student Success Center and EOP and was the program director for the Bachelor of Technology degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (2015 - 2021) and the program director for the associate degree in Individual Studies (2011 – 2021). In 2016, she assumed the duties of Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs – Student & Faculty Development before starting her role as the Interim Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences in March 2021. As AVP she built the college’s Academic Advising Center, developed an integrated summer bridge program for opportunity students, and instituted many targeted success strategies to support student success.
The School of Arts & Sciences consists of eight academic departments agriculture and veterinary technology, allied health, english and humanities, individual studies, mathematics and physics, nursing, physical and life sciences, and social and behavioral sciences) that offer twenty-one associate degrees and ten bachelor’s degrees. Over 870 full-time and 130 part-time students are enrolled and are taught by over seventy faculty and staff.
Alfred State President Dr. Steve Mauro is grateful to the search committee and excited to continue to work with Casey. “I am delighted by the choice that Dr. Cokely made in Dr. Casey. Her experience already in the role along with her extensive background in student success makes her immediately impactful to continue to support and advance all the great work underway within the School of Arts and Sciences.”
As Interim Dean, Casey has worked closely on the Agriculture Science Building renovation project, supported new program development (two new certificate programs and four new bachelor’s degree programs), supported departments in updating articulation agreements, and supported, trained, observed, and met individually with all new faculty.
Casey has been active in statewide SUNY initiatives and committees for math education and state general education program development and assessment, served on various Middle States Commission on Higher Education teams, and has been an active member and leader in countless campus and community committees.
Casey continued, “I look forward to working alongside the faculty to enhance our programs and support them as they prepare students to be exceptional, highly desirable graduates. We build programs to support student goals and workforce needs, as well as those that will support our local community. I am continually inspired by watching students transform from uncertainty to confidence. There is no greater joy than to watch them reach their goals, to walk across the stage with smiles, and get a good job or transfer successfully. The School of Arts & Sciences is in a great position to keep this momentum going; I am immensely proud to be a part of it.”
