08/12/11 kb

HAYS, Kan. -- An interim position as dean of Fort Hays State University's College of Education and Technology (COET) has become more permanent for Dr. Rob Scott, professor of justice studies and chair of the Department of Justice Studies.

Scott's appointment to a three-year tenure as dean was announced Aug. 8 by FHSU Provost Dr. Larry Gould.

"The most essential factor leading to Dr. Scott's appointment was the strong and comprehensive feedback from the college's faculty," said Gould.

"Their comments revealed a definitive confidence in Dr. Scott's ability to lead the college, continue the process of meeting the challenges of accreditation and facilitate the work of faculty in turning out highly educated Kansas teachers," he said.

"I am grateful to the faculty and staff in the College of Education and Technology for the opportunity which they are providing me," said Scott. "I look forward to working with all of them in the coming years as we embrace new initiatives that will strengthen the college and improve our ability to serve our students' needs as best as is possible."

Scott earned his B.A. in political science from Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, in 1987 and his M.S. in criminal justice from State University of New York at Buffalo in 1989. He did post-master's study at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Indiana, Pa., and then earned his Ph.D. in criminal justice from Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas, in 1993.

He came to FHSU in 1995 as coordinator of the criminal justice concentration in the Department of Sociology and Social Work in 1995. From 1996 to 2001 he was director of the Justice Studies Program. From 2000 to 2001 he was also assistant to the provost and from 2001 to 2003 he was assistant provost for quality management.

From 2003 to 2005, Scott was vice president for academic affairs, dean of the faculty, and acting director of admissions for the University of Maine at Fort Kent. In 2005, he was appointed vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college for Keystone College, La Plume, Pa.

In 2007, he returned to FHSU as an associate professor of justice studies and chair of the Department of Justice Studies. He was named interim dean of the College of Education and Technology in June 2010, replacing Dr. Debbie Mercer, who left to become associate dean for teacher education in the College of Education at Kansas State University.