South University names Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences

Friday, March 06, 2009

SAVANNAH, Ga. – February, 2009 – South University named J. Michael Brooks, Ph.D., as Dean of the College of College of Arts and Sciences. He brings with him over 35 years of experience in higher education in both faculty and administrative positions at the University of Tennessee, the University of Kentucky, Texas Christian University, Washington State University and Valdosta State University.

Dr. Brooks has presented numerous papers and participated in panel discussions with the Sociological Practice Association and the National Academic Advising Association. He is the 1994 recipient of the Hans Mauksch Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education and has been a member of the Teaching Resources Group (TRG) of the American Sociological Association (ASA) since 1977 to present. The TRG is a national group of nearly 50 sociologists who are invited to serve as consultants for the ASA’s Teaching Services Program. Notably he served for eight years on the executive committee for Valdosta State University’s College of Arts & Sciences.

“The vision for South University’s College of Arts & Sciences is to provide students with the opportunity to earn degrees in a wide variety of traditional programs in the natural and social sciences, as well as graphic design,” said O. Joseph Harm, Ph.D., system vice president for academic affairs. “We are glad to have Dr. Brooks join South University. His experience will be a great asset to growing the College of Arts & Sciences and fulfilling our vision.”

As a college dean, Dr. Brooks is a senior member of the faculty and serves as the chief academic officer for the master’s and bachelor’s programs, including Criminal Justice, Legal and Paralegal Studies, Graphic Design, Psychology, and Professional Counseling. The dean is responsible for maintaining high quality program content and delivery, reviewing curriculum and establishing student learning outcomes, and facilitating the best practices among the faculty members at all campus locations.
Dr. Brooks earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in sociology from Texas Tech University and a Ph.D. in Sociology from Ohio State University. His publication record is extensive with a considerable focus on the pedagogy of sociology in higher education.

Established in 1899, South University is a private academic institution dedicated to providing educational opportunities for the intellectual, social and professional development of a diverse student population. South University offers educational programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels with campuses located in Columbia, S.C.; Montgomery, Ala.; Savannah, Ga.; Tampa and West Palm Beach, Fla. Further information on South University is available at: www.southuniversity.edu.

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Media Contact:
Heather Askew, Director of Communications
912.201.8114, haskew@southuniversity.edu