University College’s and Kennesaw State University’s longest serving chair Dr. Rebecca Casey announced that she will retire effective May 31.

 

Casey,  chair of the Leadership & Integrative Studies Department (formerly University Studies), has worked for over 20 years leading college transition programs. Considered the pioneer of what has grown from academic support services to an academic department, Casey has had a hand in developing the Integrative Studies undergraduate degree program, as well as the Leadership Studies Certificate Program.

 

The longtime chair retires at the rank of associate professor of Composition & Rhetoric and holds a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Georgia State University, with specializations in adult learning theory, computers and composition, on-line writing instruction, and the history of Scottish Rhetoric. She received her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in English Education from Southern Illinois University.

 

Dean of University College, Keisha Hoerrner, hired by Casey in 2004 as the director of Learning Communities, shares her thoughts about this pioneering individual in an upcoming issue of the college’s publication, UC Magazine – MAKE the Connection, ”Many individuals work in University College today because Becky Casey hired us and mentored us. She was at the forefront of many of the student success initiatives that are now hallmarks not just of University College but Kennesaw State University. I am honored to call her a colleague, a mentor, and a friend.”