In conjunction with Central College’s new Integrated Learning model, four class deans and four class directors have been named from current faculty and staff members. The model is the first of its kind at any college or university in the U.S.
The Integrated Learning model is meant to link the classroom to the learning taking place outside it, both important aspects of a Central College education. The academic affairs and student development offices will work in tandem to support students’ academic growth, as well as their personal development and well-being.
At many colleges, personal successes and challenges are handled only by student life, while classroom learning is the sole responsibility of academic affairs. Central is changing that model by ensuring academics are aligned with the developmental stages students go through during their college careers. The two offices will work together to create shared goals and learning outcomes for each class of students.
Each of the four class deans will follow one class throughout their four years at Central, serving as guides to the students in that class as they choose majors, navigate courses and decide on a career. The class directors, on the other hand, will the resident experts on challenges facing students in their freshmen, sophomore, junior or senior years. All the deans and directors will act as mentors, teachers and college liaisons and will get to know each student in their assigned class on a personal basis.
“This model provides a means to ensure that the comprehensive, integrated well-being of our students remains central in all we do—in the classroom, the studio, the stage, the laboratory, the residence halls, the athletic fields, the dining hall, the chapel, the Pella community and internship sites—nationally and internationally,” said Mary Strey, vice president for academic affairs and dean of faculty.
Eric Jones, interim dean of students, will be the class dean for the class of 2016 (next year’s first-years) and director of academic resources. A 1987 graduate of Central College, Jones received a master’s degree in counseling/professional studies from Iowa State University in 1994. His contributions to Central have included roles as interim director of residential life, associate director of admission, instructor of Introduction to College Success and assistant football coach. For five years, Jones was the director of academic success, where he worked extensively with many first-year students.
Brian Peterson, associate professor of economics, will be the class dean for the class of 2015 (next year’s sophomores). Peterson received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Dayton and his master’s and Ph.D. in economics from Indiana University. He currently serves as interim chair in the department of economics, accounting, and management. He has received the Dr. John Wesselink Award for Outstanding Performance in Institutional Service.
Anne Petrie, professor of music, will be the class dean for the class of 2014 (next year’s juniors.) Petrie received her bachelor’s degree in music from the University of Illinois, where she also completed her master’s in music. She earned her doctorate in voice performance from the University of Oklahoma. Petrie has been a faculty member at Central College since 1986 and is the current Central Region Governor of the National Association of Teachers of Singing. Petrie speaks four languages (English, German, French and Russian) and also reads Italian.
Leslie Duinink, associate professor of exercise science, will be the class dean for the class of 2013 (next year’s seniors.) Duinink is a Central College graduate with a degree in history and an emphasis in secondary education. She received her master’s degree from Indiana State University in physical education with an emphasis in athletic training. She is both a state-licensed and nationally certified athletic trainer and was named the Iowa Athletic Trainers’ Society College/University Athletic Trainer of the Year in 2010.
Jill Batten will be the class director for first-year students and the director of student involvement. Batten is a Coe College graduate with a degree in psychology, and she received a master’s degree from Iowa State University in 2008. She served as assistant director of student activities for three years before being promoted to director of student activities for the 2011-12 school year.
Brandyn Woodard will be the class director for sophomore students and director of intercultural life. Woodard received his bachelor’s degree from Carnegie Mellon University and his master’s from Webster University. Following his undergraduate education, Woodard served as a member of the Peace Corps in Turkmenistan from 1995-98. Prior to joining Central College in 2006, he served as the director of international student affairs at Webster University in St. Louis. Woodard has re-implemented SafeZone training and is a founding member of Iowa’s I.D.E.A. (Impacting Diversity through Educational Alliances) conference.
Charles Strey will be the class director for juniors and dean of students. Strey received a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and a bachelor’s in comparative studies in religion from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. During his 33 years in higher education, Strey has served as the assistant dean of students/director of residence life at Gustavus Adolphus College and director of residence life at Augsburg College. He currently serves as the associate dean of students at Central and has been instrumental in the development of the Integrated Learning Model.
Melissa Sharkey will be the class director for seniors and director of residence life. Sharkey is a Grand View University graduate with a degree in elementary education. She received a master’s degree from Drake University in 2010. A member of the Central College residence life staff since 2005, she has served as director of residence life since 2010.
