Dear Arts & Sciences Students,
Welcome to the Fall 2023 semester at K-State! We’re glad you’re here! We have lots of fun and informative events planned for you, as well as resources to help you succeed. Keep reading to be in the know and get the most out of your time at K-State!
Meet the Deans (including a few fun facts!)
Chris Culbertson is the dean. He was selected to fill the position permanently in May, having served as interim dean for a year. Before that, he was associate dean for research for three years. He’s been at K-State for 21 years and hails from the chemistry department, where he was a member of the analytical division and served as lead advisor for 10 years. His research is focused on developing devices for the early diagnosis of diseases, especially cancers. He collaborates with other researchers to overcome biomolecule separation, detection and quantitation challenges in complex biological matrices.
Pizza or Tacos? Jimmy’s Taco Pie from AJ’s NY Pizzeria—the best of both worlds!
Do you have any tattoos? No
What was your first job ever? Church groundskeeper/janitor
Scott Tanona is the associate dean for academic affairs. He has served in this role since June 2020. He is also an associate professor of philosophy, specializing in the history and philosophy of physics, science in society, and ethics and values in science.
Pizza or Tacos? Both! Please don’t ask me to choose.
Do you have any tattoos? No
What was your first job ever? Paper route
Kimathi Choma is the assistant dean for diversity, recruitment and retention, a position he’s held since 2016, after serving as interim dean for a year and a half. Before that, he was in K-State’s College of Veterinary Medicine, where he served as director of undergraduate public health programs and as the experience facilitator for the Master of Public Health program.
Not available at interview time.
Melinda Cro is the assistant dean for student success and engagement. She’s been in that role since June 2022. She is also a professor of French and Italian in the modern languages department. She started as a French Language Program coordinator in 2010 and has served as director of graduate studies and department head. She teaches courses from beginner language and culture to advanced undergraduate and graduate seminars in early modern studies (1500-1800), pedagogy, and digital humanities.
Pizza or Tacos? Pizza! ALWAYS PIZZA!
Do you have any tattoos? Nope. Although I think they are a beautiful means of self or cultural expression, I am afraid of needles.
What was your first job ever? I was an actress contracted in high school to work for a regional professional dinner theatre.
Ben Stark was appointed interim assistant dean for research and facilities in March 2023. He is a professor of theatre and associate director of the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance. He is the technical director for theatre and he advises the school’s marketing and management efforts. He teaches classes in technical design and professional development.
Pizza or Tacos? Pizza
Do you have any tattoos? Yes
What was your first job ever? Book shelver at the public library
