Dr. Sarah Gordon is stepping down as dean of the Arkansas Tech University Graduate College in order to accept a similar position at the University of Central Oklahoma.
The announcement of Gordon’s departure was made by Dr. Adolfo Santos, ATU executive vice president for academic affairs and provost.
A farewell reception for Gordon is planned for 2:30 p.m. Monday, July 1, in Ross Pendergraft Library and Technology Center room 325.
“I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Santos, other members of the ATU administration and the ATU Board of Trustees for the opportunity to work in this position and the others I have held since coming here in 2018,” said Gordon. “I have greatly enjoyed it and sincerely appreciate the opportunity I have had here at ATU.”
Gordon joined the ATU faculty in 2018 as associate professor of educational leadership and held departmental leadership positions in the ATU Department of Student Affairs Administration and the ATU Center for Leadership and Learning before becoming interim dean of the ATU Graduate College in February 2022.
She was appointed dean on a permanent basis in November 2023.
Gordon holds Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from Oklahoma State University. She has taught courses at the graduate level since 2007.
Dr. Jeffrey Cass, dean of the ATU College of Arts and Humanities, will serve as interim dean of the ATU Graduate College.
“I am deeply honored to have the privilege of being interim dean of the Graduate College, assisting faculty who assist students in achieving the goal of an advanced degree,” said Cass. “I also hope to maintain our momentum in graduate enrollment growth, the successful pursuit of grants and the establishment of policies necessary to achieve the goals of the college’s strategic plan. I look forward to the challenges these new duties pose. I hope the campus knows that my door is always open for frank discussion, provocative ideas and tough criticisms.”
