The school year began with three interim deans leading three colleges in the university. Soon after appointing the permanent dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, the provost named Dr. Donnie Snider the dean of the College of Education and Human Services.

The search committee for the CEHS dean named Snider, who had been serving in the position in an interim capacity since the summer, as the only finalist near the end of last semester. Snider interviewed with faculty on campus at the beginning of finals week and, after hearing faculty feedback, the search committee unanimously recommended Snider to the provost, Dr. Robert Rhodes. Rhodes then appointed Snider to the permanent position, effective Jan. 1.

Snider has worked for 30 years in public education, 20 of which as a school administrator before accepting a faculty position at ACU about six years ago.

“He brings in a wealth of public education experience,” Rhodes said. “He understands the needs in teacher education and human services. He is a good listener and someone who looks for the best interest of the staff, faculty and students.”

As dean, Snider will oversee five departments: Kinesiology and Nutrition, Communication Sciences and Disorders, School of Social Work, Teacher Education and Graduate Studies in Education, as well as the higher education, Pruett Gerontology Center and TRIO programs. He outlined his initiatives specifically for each of these departments and programs in his faculty presentation last semester.

Snider was the associate dean of the CEHS for three years and learned a great deal of how to run the college from that time.

But Snider, 61, doesn’t plan on serving in his new position for a long term.

“I’m not a 10 or 15-year dean because of my age,” Snider said. “I have some skills and experience that is rare in a new dean. This is an opportunity for me to serve and help the college.”

Snider is the second interim dean to have the interim label removed from his title. Dr. Greg Straughn, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, also went from being the interim dean to the permanent dean on Jan. 1.

This leaves one dean search still underway. The search committee for the dean of the College of Biblical Studies has named three finalists to be interviewed later in the semester.

Snider’s future plans of note for CEHS departments:

Kinesiology and Nutrition: Implementing new master’s degree in occupational therapy

Communication Sciences and Disorders: Expanding collaboration for internships at CitySquare

School of Social Work and Sociology: Securing one more faculty member in both Social Work and Sociology

Teacher Education: Preparing for the new fifth year master’s degree

Graduate Studies in Education: Securing of national accreditation TEAC/CAEP

Higher Education: Establishing new degree track in administration

Pruett Gerontology Center: Expanding aging studies academic opportunities for students

TRIO programs: improving student awareness of Alpha