Emporia State Univeristy’s newest leaders are very excited for their new appointments and the impacts their schools will have both locally and nationally in the future.
Last week, ESU announced the appointments of Dr. Sara Schwerdtfeger and Dr. Tim Burnett as the new deans of the Teachers College and School of Science and Mathematics respectively. Both Schwerdtfeger and Burnett joined KVOE’s Newsmaker 3 segment Monday morning where they discussed their individual reactions to their new appointments and mindsets as they get set to lead their respective departments.
Schwerdtfeger says she was honored to have been selected to fill the role and adds there are many things that continue to drive her throughout her career. As it pertains to her new position, Schwerdtfeger says the “multiplier effect” the Teachers College has on the teaching profession both locally and nationally is a major motivator.
Burnett says the news of his appointment came with a “sigh of relief” following a lengthy search. He says having his whole career in education has helped prepare him to be a leader.
Schwerdtfeger brings 25 years of experience to her new role and holds a bachelor’s degree of science in education and a master of science degree both from ESU as well as a Ph.D. from Kansas State University. She also has endorsements in English as a Second Language from KSU and Building Leadership from ESU.
Burnett has been a part of the ESU faculty since 2008 serving as an associate professor of biology. Burnett also holds bachelor’s degrees of science in both secondary education and cell biology from Kansas State University and the University of Kansas respectively as well as a Ph.D. in anatomy from the University of Kansas Medical Center.
