THIBODAUX, La. — Nicholls State University is excited to welcome Dr. Scot Rademaker as the dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences.
Dr. Rademaker, the chair of the Division of Education and assistant professor at The College of New Rochelle in New York, will fill the position, which has been vacant since August 2018. Dr. Steven Welsh served as interim dean during the search process.
“I’m excited to join the Nicholls State University family,” Dr. Rademaker said. “The combination of teacher education and psychology in the college first attracted me to Nicholls. As I went deeper, I found a wonderful community of faculty, staff and students and many important initiatives, projects and services. I’m looking forward to becoming a part of such an outstanding team and contributing in a meaningful fashion.”
Dr. Rademaker brings a combination of classroom and leadership experience to the position. Prior to the College of New Rochelle, he spent five years as an assistant professor of curriculum and pedagogy at Winthrop University and two years as a reading interventionist in the Miami-Dade County Public School System.
He earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Miami, his master’s in science from Barry University and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction in special education from the University of South Florida.
“What stood out about Dr. Rademaker during the search process was his experience and passion for both teacher education and psychology,” Nicholls Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Sue Westbrook said. “I can’t wait to work with Dr. Rademaker as he leads the College of Education and Behavioral Science into a new chapter of educational excellence and growth.”
Housed in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, education and psychology make up the third and fourth most popular degree programs on the campus. The college also oversees some of the most impactful programs across campus, including the pre-k program, Little Colonel’s Academy; the transformative Bridge to Independence Program for students with autism and other intellectual disabilities; and the Louisiana Center for Dyslexia and Related Learning Disorders. An Applied Behavioral Analysis Clinic will also be housed on campus and is expected to open within the next year.
In a move that will benefit students across campus, the College of Arts and Sciences will be split into two colleges: the College of Liberal Arts and the College of Sciences and Technology. The former college was the largest on campus with 13 departments and 22 degree programs.
“This is going to be a benefit for everyone involved,” Dr. Westbrook said. “The college had become too large to manage effectively. With this change, we will be able to more quickly meet the needs of our students, as well as our faculty.”
The College of Liberal Arts will house the departments of art, social sciences, history and geography, interdisciplinary studies, languages and literature, mass communications and music. Jean Donegan, art department head, will serve as interim dean of the college until a search can be completed.
The College of Sciences and Technology will include the departments of applied sciences, biological sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, petroleum engineering technology and safety management and allied health sciences. Dr. John Doucet will continue to serve as dean.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 11, 2019
CONTACT: Jacob Batte, Media Relations and Publications Coordinator, 985.448.4141 or jacob.batte@nicholls.edu
