Kenneth Blemings, a long-time professor of nutritional biochemistry in the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, has been named permanent dean of West Virginia University’s Honors College, effective May 21.
Blemings has been interim dean since Keith Garbutt, founding dean of the Honors College, left the university in July 2014. Blemings previously directed the University’s intercollegiate undergraduate program in biochemistry and served as assistant director of the division of animal & nutritional sciences in the Davis College.
“Ken’s ability to connect with students has been key to the increase in Honors freshmen enrollment – from 580 to 748 exceptionally talented students,” Provost Joyce McConnell said. “Everyone respects his leadership tremendously – and the Honors students are in love with his enthusiasm.”
McConnell said that a national search was conducted for the position to attract a wide pool of candidates who would continue the growth of the College in terms of quality students and excellent programming. “Ken clearly emerged as the best candidate. He has a strong, clear vision for the college and is deeply committed to our students,” she said.
Click below to hear the WVUToday radio spot about the Honors College.
Blemings came to WVU in 1999 as an assistant professor in the division of animal and veterinary sciences. In 2010, he was named assistant director of academic programs for the division. He was a 2012 WVU Foundation Outstanding Teacher and a recipient of an APLU/USDA regional teaching award the same year. He became the founding director of WVU’s intercollegiate undergraduate program in biochemistry in 2013.
“I am grateful and very excited to have the chance to serve as dean of the Honors College,” Blemings said. “The faculty, staff and students of our College are an amazing group of people, and I am privileged to have this opportunity to partner with them. We will strive to provide enriched educational opportunities and experiences for Honors College students as well as services to high-achieving students at WVU.”
The Honors College began as an honors program in 1982 and was established as a College 2006, with a live-learn component for freshmen who live in the Honors Residence Hall. Enrollment has grown annually since then. The College currently has nearly 2,300 students and expects to welcome the largest incoming class ever in fall 2015.
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ac/05/21/15
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