Erica Newport, Ph.D.

Professor Newport

Newport was appointed chair of three departments by the dean of academics (KU_NPR), charged with the task to put in place processes, structures, and vision, to further develop programs and faculty, in order to expand the potential for students pursuing academic studies and careers focused in general studies, interdisciplinary studies, and general education studies, including students tracking in psychology programs. Employing an interdisciplinary methodological lens, she has overseen the development and growth of the departments assigned to her, while working alongside the criminal justice, business, legal and medical studies programs. Faculty and students have been exposed to panel discussions and research workshops, employing the intersections of such aforementioned studies. As chair, she advises students in their undergraduate and graduate studies. She presents at monthly orientations for incoming students and for local high school students. She tracks degree plans and works with students and faculty to ensure healthy retention rates and growth. Newport conducts annual course budgets, accreditation data reports, and the oversight of hiring new part-time and full-time faculty members. Also, she presents on diversity and empowerment in the local community to businesses and organizations, while assisting students in their career development and job search. In addition to the daily and weekly responsibilities of directing departments, Newport has created several new visionary initiatives to further connect students and faculty to interdisciplinary research and career opportunities, both in upcoming campus conferences and publications planned for 2019; she has launched a NPR-KU First Year Experience and founded an Empowerment Center through Education Center and the Journal of Transdisciplinary Engagement, a biannual academic journal and conference, which involves the full participation of the campus and outside community. In her service, she continues to teach, advise, and present at and participate in national social science conferences, while pursuing an ambitious research track in publishing and community engagement in her applied research findings. Newport is the campus Teaching and Learning Center Coordinator, presenting monthly on best classroom practices. In addition to her leadership roles, she teaches courses in communications, writing, and research.

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