Indiana State University Newsroom

Kenneth Brauchle has been named dean of Extended Learning at Indiana State University.

Brauchle is currently the associate dean of Extended Studies and director of the Center for Professional Development at Boise State University.

He will begin work July 1 at ISU.

Brauchle, who was one of four candidates who visited the ISU campus in March to interview for the position, said there are two aspects of the job at ISU that he finds particularly appealing.

"The opportunity to get involved on the ground floor of a new position is exciting," he said. "My passion is serving the outreach mission, and the fact that community engagement and hence outreach is such an important part of ISU's strategic plan appeals strongly to me."

Primary responsibilities for this new position include coordination of all student support services as well as development and growth of educational offerings delivered by distance and continuing education at the university.

Brauchle's extensive experience in distance education and his history of working with a variety of constituents across campuses made him the top choice for the job, said C. Jack Maynard, ISU's provost and vice president for academic affairs.

"Everyone who interviewed the candidates was convinced Ken Brauchle was our strongest candidate. His human relation skills, which are such a vitally important part of this job, are excellent," Maynard said. "We are very fortunate to have someone of his experience and skills assume this critical role."

Maynard said the demands of students, who show increasing interest in distance education courses, have made this position vital to the future of ISU.

"Approximately 20 percent of our students are enrolled in one or more distance education classes," Maynard said. "We see this area growing and recognize the need to provide better service to students and our faculty."

Brauchle said having an influential role in improving distance education at ISU is an exciting prospect.

"Extended learning can play a major role in reaching out to new populations, broadening access and providing new opportunities to engage with the citizens of Indiana," he said. "By creating a focal point and support framework for outreach initiatives, the university will more effectively leverage the opportunities for new programs and ideas emerging from the university as a whole."

Brauchle earned his Ph.D. in the administration of adult education from the University of Alaska. He has been an associate dean at Boise State University in Idaho since 2004 and has also worked at Chapman University in Washington and the University of La Verne in Alaska.

For more than 20 years, Brauchle has been involved with the administration, development and delivery of learner-centered educational and training programs. He has 16 years of experience directing degree and non-credit continuing education programs for working adults.

In addition, Brauchle has several years of experience in assessment and training program evaluation.

Writer and contact: Rachel Wedding McClelland, assistant director of media relations, Communications and Marketing, Indiana State University at 812-237-3790 or rachel.mcclelland@indstate.edu.

Photos: Kenneth Brauchle (submitted photo)
http://isuphoto.smugmug.com/photos/834897683_fAWDP-L.jpg