Dr. Kim Bloss was recently named dean of the School of Graduate Studies at Southern Arkansas University, Magnolia.
“It is a privilege and an honor to be selected dean of the School of Graduate Studies and to serve Southern Arkansas University,” said Bloss. “I look forward to being a part of the School of Graduate Studies expansion efforts and to providing our students with the best possible graduate experience.”
Bloss joined the faculty in the summer of 1997 and has served as an associate professor of counselor education and chair of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.
“Dr. Bloss has a distinguished academic background and a great deal of experience as a member of our graduate faculty,” said Dr. David Rankin, president of SAU. “She is both talented and energetic, and I believe she will be an outstanding leader for our School of Graduate Studies.”
She received her Ph.D. in counselor education and counseling from the University of North Carolina in Greensboro and her master’s and bachelor’s degrees from Northern Arizona University.
One of the goals Bloss has is for the entire University to understand what graduate studies is.
“I want to strengthen the culture of graduate studies across the campus,” she said. “It is our mission to prepare life-long learners as leaders in building strong schools and communities for tomorrow.”
She will oversee the implementation of three new graduate degree programs in the fall. The School of Graduate Studies at SAU will offer a master of public administration degree through the College of Liberal and Performing Arts; an online master of education in elementary or secondary education with a curriculum and instruction focus offered through the College of Education; and a master of science in computer and information science through the College of Science and Technology.
“I feel that my background will enable me to lead the School in a new direction,” she said. “I will continue to develop and implement new programs.”
Bloss also has plans for graduate assistants.
“I want graduate assistants to become more involved with research,” she said.
Her favorite thing about working at SAU is the students.
“I have had wonderful experiences with the students in counselor education,” she said. “I am impressed with students and how they connect with each other. People are really friendly.”
For more information regarding any of the programs offered by the School of Graduate Studies, call 870-235-4150.
