New Provost announced

Dr. Debbie Ricker was recently named the next provost and vice president for academic affairs of Hood College to start on July 1.

Ricker’s first goal is to learn as much as she can “about Hood College’s people, programs, and policies.”

However, the plans she has upon her arrival to Hood is assure that the college is ready to be visited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education for the reaffirmation of accreditation. Ricker will also review the goals of Hood’s strategic plan. She believes “these two documents will help us as a campus, to define our ‘big plans’ for the future.”

Ricker has served as a faculty member, department chair, associate dean, and currently dean at York College.

 

In a letter to faculty, staff and students, President Chapdelaine said, “Her excellent credentials, enthusiasm for our academic mission and passion for students will serve Hood well as we build our next strategic plan to further strengthen our academic offerings, student academic achievement and support for our faculty as teacher-scholars.”

 

Her experiences that have prepared her for this position include: curricular design, strategic planning, student success and retention, faculty and staff development, budgeting, enrollment management, co-curricular programming, and community engagement.

 

“Personally, I think Dr. Ricker will be a fantastic provost for Hood College,” SGA President Katie Bailey said. “The direction our school is headed in, with all the changes and plans created by the new administration will be greatly helped by what Dr. Ricker has previously done at York.”

 

Ricker is looking forward to two things at Hood, the people and the future.

 

“Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive; I can’t wait to learn more about my colleagues on the academic affairs team,” Ricker said.

 

She said she was excited for the opportunities to collaboratively work with the other administrators and with the campus towards a new strategic plan.

 

“I truly enjoy working with students every day, whether it’s teaching a class, celebrating an achievement, cheering at an athletic competition, mentoring through a crisis, or simply enjoying lunch in the dining hall,” Ricker said. “Student-centered isn’t just a buzz word to me; it’s how I live and it’s how I work.”

 

Ricker found her fit at Hood in its “commitment to providing an enriching, holistic, student-centered educational experience. And, this experience is cultivated by professionals who value teaching excellence and fully embrace a multitude of learning opportunities both in and out of the classroom, as well as on and off campus.”

 

She also likes how Hood integrates liberal arts and professional programs, making them work together, “preparing students to not only make a living but also make a life.”