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Oklahoma Christian Announces New Academic Deans

Oklahoma Christian University has appointed six new deans to oversee its academic colleges. 

The deans selected were Dr. Byron Newberry for the College of Engineering and Computer Science, Dr. Jennifer Gray for the College of Sciences and Education, Dr. Jeremie Beller for the College of Bible, Dr. Brian Simmons for the College of Liberal Arts and Dr. Jeff Simmons for the College of Business.

Dr. Jeff McCormack, the Chief Academic Officer, spoke about the selection process. 

“We looked within the disciplines for individuals with leadership qualities who have proved they are in alignment with our university’s goal and can lead for that college, whatever that college requires,” McCormack said.

Dr. McCormack said the biggest role of the new deans is program assessment and creation. 

“The deans will examine programs, evaluate them, update them and perhaps develop new programs or degrees,” McCormack said. “The development of a program review ensures the programs are, first and foremost, in accordance with the mission that we are doing what we say we will do as a Christian institution.”

Dr. Brian Simmons, the newly appointed Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, discussed how his academic experience and background prepared him for the position. 

“I have been teaching at four different universities for the past 34 years. In addition to teaching, I have held the positions of department chair and Associate Dean for the College of Liberal Arts,” Simmons said.

Simmons said his main priority is ensuring quality education to the students.

“My top priority is to make sure the college has the resources it needs to provide the highest quality of education to our students,” Simmons said. “Part of that includes evaluating what we do and how we can do it better in the future. That is exactly what all high-quality organizations do.”

Dr. Simmons expressed concerns over the declining enrollments and tight budgets currently affecting higher education institutions across the country.

“With declining enrollments and low finances, all of higher education is experiencing more instability. This is especially true for small universities like Oklahoma Christian,” Simmons said. “Like the other Deans at Oklahoma Christian, I intend to handle those issues by making the best use of the resources God has bestowed upon us, both human and otherwise.”

Simmons said his metric to measure department success will depend on how faculty members engage with the students.

“A measurement of success depends on what you’re measuring. For example, if you want to measure ‘customer service,’ look at how soon professors return assignments to students or how frequently they meet with their academic advisors.” Simmons said. 

Simmons also expressed excitement towards working with faculty, staff and students to help build a better future at Oklahoma Christian. 

“My philosophy is ‘we’re all in this together.’ I see myself as a servant who ought to use whatever power and influence I have to make things better for others,” Simmons said. “That’s why I’m excited to work with the outstanding faculty, staff and students of Oklahoma Christian to help build a better future for us all.”

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