Victor Piercey, a Ferris State University associate professor of Mathematics, will
expand his focus from classroom instruction and grant-funded curriculum revision to
new duties as director of General Education.
Piercey, who joined Ferris’ faculty in 2012, explained that his assignment is a three-year commitment with Biology Professor Clifton Franklund ending service as General Education director. Franklund will continue as director of assessment for the Office of Academic Affairs.
“Clifton has done a wonderful job in handling both positions,” Piercey said. “I was pleased to have been selected and am very excited to assume the role of Gen Ed director.”
Piercey has identified two primary considerations he anticipates, as director.
“It will be of great importance to offer support to the committee that is preparing for the Higher Learning Commission’s visit, in the 2020-21 academic year, so Ferris’ accreditation can be reaffirmed,” Piercey said. “This includes making sure key committees and subcommittees meet regularly, filling gaps in academic policies and procedures related to General Education, and promoting assessment. Taking up a visioning process for General Education is also a key component of my duties.”
As of the Fall 2017 semester, all students beginning their degree paths have new requirements to demonstrate their competencies in General Education disciplines. Those seeking a bachelor’s degree must complete courses demonstrating eight competencies. Those students seeking Associate of Arts, Associate of Sciences and Associates of Applied Arts, Sciences and Education degrees must satisfy similar requirements. Piercey said General Education is an important part of the Ferris experience. As General Education director, he wants to support innovative initiatives that improve what Ferris offers its students.
“I would hope to see greater integration of General Education and academic programs,” Piercey said. “Over the next year, I will conduct listening tour sessions with the appropriate stakeholders, so that we clearly define the current situation and our prospects. I anticipate being very busy in this regard during the early portion of a three-year process.”
Piercey is also involved in a five-year study, funded by the National Science Foundation,
to improve 100-level Mathematics content for Business, Social Work and Health Professions
students. He is the principal investigator for this grant program which also calls
for involvement on the leadership team supervising collaboration among 11 institutions
who constitute a faculty learning community.
PHOTO CAPTION: Associate Professor of Mathematics Victor Piercey has been appointed General Education director at Ferris State University. The office Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Paul Blake indicated that Piercey’s appointment is for a three-year term.