Margetts and Powell named deans

Margetts served as interim dean of the School of Liberal Arts for the past year, replacing Dr. Jo Forstrom. Previously, Margetts was a faculty member in the music department.

Powell comes to CSC after three years as a professor and director of the School of Education at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, Michigan. He will lead the School of Counseling, Education, Social Work, Human Performance and Psychology. He replaces Dr. Margaret Crouse who retired in June following 26 years working at CSC.

Margetts, who has been at CSC since 2004, said he is looking forward to promoting the Essential Studies Program, an inquiry-based approach that actively engages students in the learning process, to both internal and external audiences.

“My number one priority is to explain the value of the Essential Studies Program and why we chose First Year Inquiry and the capstone courses. It does come with some new expectations for both faculty and students,” said Margetts, who earned both his master’s and doctorate degrees from the University of Cincinnati.

His other goals include implementing Master Academic Plan (MAP) priorities and enhancing study abroad offerings.

After serving as the interim dean for one year, Margetts said he has a gained a new perspective and feels grateful for the support he received.

“The faculty are committed and they truly care about students. They spend a tremendous amount of time reflecting on their courses and they thoroughly incorporate sound learning theory in their courses. I’ve also gained a new appreciation for student services and all that they do. I’m impressed with the hard work of a lot of people. There are so many working parts in all programs” he said.

Powell, began his career as a middle school English teacher in Indiana before earning his doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University in Tempe. He taught education courses at universities in Arizona, Alaska, and Indiana, before his position at Ferris State.

Although he values the role of research, he is eager to be joining an open admission, teaching institution in a state that he says demonstrates strong support of public education.

“I like working with an institution where you can make a difference. Bring in great kids, move them along and get them ready to be great teachers and social workers. We know our graduates can go out and make the world a better place,” Powell said.

He has been impressed with the faculty members he’s met so far and looks forward to meeting more in the coming weeks.

“The faculty are friendly and engaged. I can tell they like teaching. My goal is to help them do what they want to do. I think it’s important to keep a good sense of humor. I believe we can have good conversations, even disagreements as long as those disagreements are centered on the substance of what’s best for students,” he said.

—Tena L. Cook, Marketing Coordinator