Erin Kempker will lead Augustana College’s newly launched Center for Engaged Learning, Teaching, and Scholarship. She will start at the college Feb. 3, the college said in a news release.
CELTS will support professional development for all educators on campus, both faculty and staff, the release said. The center supersedes the college’s Center for Faculty Enrichment, which will phase out this spring.
Provost Dianna Shandy said Ms. Kempker is an accomplished scholar, inspiring teacher, and proven leader.
“Dr. Kempker is known for her extraordinary ability to bring people together to solve challenges, ignite new ideas, and amplify the unique strengths within a community,” she added. “Her visionary leadership will be instrumental in driving forward our Bold & Boundless strategic plan, and we are excited for the future she will help shape at Augustana.”
Ms. Kempker comes to Augustana’s CELTS from Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, Mississipii, where she worked her way up from assistant professor to full professor. She also served as department chair of history, political science, and geography for six years.
Ms. Kempker most recently served as interim director of the quality enhancement plan. It’s a required component of the university’s accreditation reaffirmation process through Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges that focused on student success, high-impact learning, and career readiness.
She has a history of securing grants to support institutional initiatives.
The new CELTS leader earned her doctorate and master’s in history at Purdue University and a bachelor’s in social studies and secondary education at the University of Central Missouri.
Ms. Kempker said it is a privilege to join the faculty and staff in the work of launching CELTS to help build even more capacity for active, community-based learning in the semesters and years to come.
