Jeff W. Coker, Ph.D., dean of undergraduate studies at the University of North Florida (UNF) in Jacksonville, Florida, has been named Shenandoah University’s next dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. Dr. Coker will begin his new position on July 1, 2015.
Coker was selected after a lengthy and rigorous search process; his appointment was unanimously recommended by the search committee and very strongly supported by the university community. He will succeed Calvin H. Allen Jr., Ph.D., who will retire from Shenandoah at the close of the academic year after 13 years of service to the university.
“We are thrilled that Jeff Coker will join the Shenandoah University community in July,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs Adrienne Bloss, Ph.D. “Jeff brings a wealth of experience from his positions as a faculty member, a department chair, and a dean at Belmont University and the University of North Florida.
“An accomplished scholar and teacher, he is an ardent supporter of the liberal arts, with a strong commitment to experiential learning, including student research, internships, community-based learning and study abroad programs,” added Dr. Bloss. “He received overwhelming support from the campus community; comments from faculty and staff noted that he would be ‘a tremendous asset’ and a ‘perfect fit,’ citing his interest in innovation, his depth of understanding of issues in higher education and his passion for the arts and sciences.”
“I am honored and excited to be joining the Shenandoah University community,” said Coker. “Shenandoah’s educational mission is rooted in the liberal arts, and the College of Arts & Sciences lies at the heart of that mission. With such a diverse array of academic programs, a talented and highly motivated faculty, and a clear focus on placing students in the best position to succeed, the College of Arts & Sciences has a very bright future ahead.”
Coker looks forward to working across disciplines at Shenandoah to promote the integration of the liberal arts and professional education. He sees a liberal arts-infused curriculum as a great asset in today’s higher education spectrum.
“Of late, there has been what might be described as a growing skepticism towards the value of a liberal arts education, at least in some circles,” said Coker. “However, Shenandoah understands that the next generation of leaders will need the knowledge, skills, and abilities that only a liberal arts-based education provides. Our world is becoming more diverse, more complex, and driven increasingly by innovation. The College of Arts & Sciences is positioned ideally to prepare students for the world they will encounter after graduation.”
As UNF’s dean of undergraduate studies, Coker has collaborated with campus faculty and administrative leadership to improve the educational success of UNF’s students in a range of areas. Under his guidance, a new, integrated freshman experience program was implemented; the program was designed to develop more intentional major and career exploration.
Also during his tenure, undergraduate research opportunities were expanded, the number of students studying abroad increased, and the quality of advising and academic support programs improved. In addition, Coker currently heads a UNF task force of senior-level leadership focused on improving retention and graduation rates.
Coker is a historian by training; prior to UNF he served in multiple leadership positions at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, including department chair, director of core curriculum, and assistant provost for undergraduate programs. He is the author of three books and numerous articles in United States political and intellectual history.
He serves regularly as a reviewer for the National Endowment for the Humanities, has consulted for the College Board and has served on multiple university accreditation teams. The U.S. Department of State has tapped Coker on numerous occasions to speak internationally on current challenges in higher education, administrative issues and teaching.
Coker earned his bachelor of arts degree from the University of Texas at Austin, a master of arts degree from Texas State University-San Marcos, and a doctor of philosophy degree in United States Intellectual, Cultural, and Political History from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.