Teachers College names Weaver as interim dean

Dr. Ken Weaver

While Emporia State University commences a nationwide search for its permanent replacement, Dr. Kenneth Weaver will fill the position of interim dean of The Teachers College, ESU’s nationally-recognized teacher preparation program.

Weaver, a Roe R. Cross Distinguished Professor and current chair of ESU’s Department of Psychology and Special Education, will replace Dr. Tes Mehring as dean of The Teachers College. Mehring will become Emporia State’s provost and vice president of academic affairs in mid-June.

"The Teachers College and Emporia State University are crown jewels of higher education," said Weaver.   "Teachers College faculty and staff work tirelessly to produce quality professionals for Kansas as well as throughout the midwest, nation, and world. I am honored to follow the legacy of Dr. Tes Mehring in serving as interim dean of The Teachers College," Weaver continued.  

“We’re fortunate to have a faculty member of Dr. Weaver’s experience and caliber able to step into the critical role of guiding The Teachers College for the next year,” noted Dr. Michael R. Lane, ESU president.

When Lane announced Mehring’s promotion in mid-May, he indicated a nationwide search for her replacement would be launched. The goal of that search is to name a permanent replacement by July, 2009.

Weaver earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of South Carolina. He received his doctorate from Columbia University. Weaver served as a Peace Corps volunteer in the Philippines, where he worked in rural public health education.

Joining the ESU faculty in 1986, Weaver has chaired the psychology department since 1995. He directed ESU’s Honors Program from 1990 to 1993, and was the director of the 1992 Kansas Regents Honors Academy.

Weaver founded the Kansas High School Psychology Teachers Workshop, which will celebrate its 14th anniversary this coming October. He is serving on the planning committee for the second Psi Chi National Leadership Conference in Nashville, Tenn., this coming January. As advisor to ESU’s chapter of Psi Chi, the national honor society for students majoring in psychology, Weaver won the Florence L. Denmark National Advisor Award in 2006.

Last Updated May 29, 2008>