Dr. Jerald Spotswood will become the next dean of Emporia State’s Graduate School and Distance Education.
Spotswood comes to Emporia State from Fort Hays State University, where he currently is assistant dean of the graduate school and professor of English. He has been at Fort Hays since 2012.
“There are a lot of opportunities in graduate education right now; it’s one of the leading segments of growth,” said Spotswood about what he’s looking forward to in the new position. “I think there are a lot of things we as a faculty could do to build up enrollment and still keep a very strong curriculum.”
Spotswood earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from University of California, San Diego, a master’s degree in English from San Diego State University and a Ph.D. in English from the University of Alabama. He joined the faculty at Eastern New Mexico University in 1999 as graduate coordinator for English and assistant professor of English. He spent 13 years at Eastern New Mexico, including the final two years as chair of languages and literature and professor of English.
“Jerald Spotswood’s background and experience make him a great fit for this position,” said Dr. David Cordle, Emporia State provost and vice president for academic affairs. “He has provided leadership for graduate and distance programs at Fort Hays State University, an institution that’s obviously similar to ESU in many ways. And as a former department chair, he knows how to work with faculty members and understands the central role they play in the university’s success.
“Jerry comes to us highly recommended, and we look forward to welcoming him and his family to Emporia and ESU,” Cordle added.
Spotswood begins his new role June 5. He will move to Emporia with his wife, Joelle, and their son, Jason, who turns 4 in June. He said the entire family is looking forward to the move after visiting Emporia and Emporia State twice — once before he even applied then again during his on-campus interviews.
“I liked this institution,” Spotswood said. “It has a very strong faculty and a very strong administrative team in place. During my on-campus interview, Joelle and Jason spent the day in the community looking around.
“Joelle was extremely impressed with what she saw in the community.”