Emporia State University announces University administrative changes

Dr. Robert Grover     Dr. Gerritt Bleeker

Emporia State University President John Schwenn recently announced several University administrative changes.

After two years, Dr. Ann O’Neill, Dean of the School of Library and Information Management (SLIM) resigned from dean due to health-related issues. O’Neill will remain with the SLIM staff and serve as a faculty member.

Dr. Robert Grover, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of Graduate Studies, has been appointed interim dean of SLIM. He will continue to serve as Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs.

“Dr. Grover will do an excellent job as the interim dean of SLIM since he is their former dean.  He knows the curriculum, the personnel, and our distance programs so it will be easy for him to immediately take charge.   We will miss Dr. O'Neill's leadership, but I am pleased she is staying at ESU to take on new challenges,” President Schwenn said.

Grover is rejoining the SLIM faculty after an absence of three years. He served as dean from 1998 – 2003 and 1981 – 87.

“Having been away from SLIM for three years, I look forward to working with administration, faculty and students of SLIM once again,” Grover said.

Dr. Gerritt Bleeker, Associate Dean for Liberal Arts and Sciences (LA&S) and English faculty member has been appointed interim dean of Graduate Studies and Research. Bleeker will continue to serve as Associate Dean for Liberal Arts and Sciences.

“Dr. Bleeker has the skills and experience necessary to be Dean of Graduate Studies.  Our graduate programs and research and grants will thrive under his leadership,” President Schwenn said. “I look forward to working with both Dr. Grover and Dr. Bleeker in new opportunities.”

Bleeker has served the ESU community for 36 years in various capacities.

“During this period of transition, I look forward to working with directors of graduate programs across campus to recruit outstanding students and to maintain high academic standards and quality instruction,” Bleeker said.

Last Updated July 2, 2007>