Keene State College Names Interim Vice President of Finance and Interim Dean of Professional and Graduate Studies
Keene, NH, May 8, 2012: Keene State College today announced the appointment of two seasoned professionals who will take on the roles of Interim Vice President for Finance and Planning and Interim Dean of Professional and Graduate Studies for the College. Karen House, current Keene State College Associate Vice President for Finance and Planning, will serve as Vice President for Finance and Planning for a one-year term, while Jay Kahn takes over as Interim President. Wayne Hartz, current Keene State College Associate Professor for Safety and Occupational Health Applied Sciences will take on the role of Interim Dean of Professional and Graduate Studies, while Melinda Treadwell takes over as Provost for a two-year term. They will assume their new roles in July 2012 when the positions are vacated.
Earlier this spring, current Keene State College President Helen Giles-Gee and Provost Mel Netzhammer announced that they would be leaving the college to pursue new professional opportunities this summer. The University System of New Hampshire (USNH) Board worked with the Keene State College community to develop a leadership transition strategy. This announces the final changes that will take place in July.
Karen House, CPA, has served Keene State for more than 12 years. She will serve on the President’s cabinet and as the chief financial officer for the college during the interim period. Ms. House has held significant financial leadership roles at two institutions that are members of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges spanning 23 years. She earned her MBA from Plymouth State University. Her work has been recognized with the USNH Bradford K. Perry award on three separate occasions. The award is given for contributions throughout USNH, and is based on improved effectiveness in operations, extent of collaboration across USNH, and positive changes in processes or procedures when solving issues.
“I am pleased to take over the responsibilities as the chief financial officer for the college. I have learned a great deal from Jay Kahn’s leadership, which serves as a solid foundation for my work. With the interim team we have in place, Keene State will continue to thrive and realize its mission and goals,” said Keene State College Associate Vice President for Finance and Planning, Karen House.
Wayne Hartz has taught in Keene State College’s Technology, Design and Safety Department for the last eight years and currently serves on the college’s Strategic Planning Council. Previous to his work at Keene State, Mr. Hartz held positions in the area of health and safety at L.L. Bean, Inc., most recently as Corporate Manager of Employee Health and Safety, and at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Mr. Hartz is in the dissertation phase of a Doctorate in Leadership and Change at Antioch University. He earned a Master of Professional Studies at Cornell University, and a BS degree in Environmental Health from East Tennessee State University. Mr. Hartz has earned certifications by the American Board of Industrial Hygiene and the Board of Certified Safety Professionals. He currently serves on the Academic Practice Specialty and the Educational Standards Committee of the American Society of Safety Engineers. He was recognized by L.L. Bean for exceptional performance.
“It is an honor to be welcomed by our campus community as Interim Dean of Professional and Graduate Studies. Over the years at Keene State, I have witnessed students achieving incredible goals due to the education and opportunities offered here. I will use my experience to help make decisions that put the needs of students first,” said Keene State College Associate Professor for Safety and Occupational Health Applied Sciences, Wayne Hartz.
About Keene State College
Keene State College is a preeminent public liberal arts college that ensures student access to world-class academic programs. Integrating academics with real-world application and active community and civic engagement, Keene State College prepares graduates to meet society’s challenges by thinking critically, acting creatively, and serving the greater good. To learn more about Keene State College, visit www.keene.edu.
Keene State College: Wisdom to make a difference.
