Welcome From the Dean
Welcome to the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences at Eastern Kentucky University! We are a community of difference makers, creating positive change throughout the Commonwealth and impacting the world. Our college is comprised of four departments with programs that equip school and community leaders: American Sign Language and Interpreter Education, Applied Human Sciences, Clinical and Therapeutic Programs, and Teaching, Learning, and Educational Leadership. We offer programs in-person, online, and using hybrid models to serve our region and the nation. If you want to be a teacher, school leader, mental health professional, dietician, or interpreter—you’ve found the right place! If you’re not sure how you want to change the world, but making a difference is important to you, we will partner with you to find your passion.
As the new Dean of the College of Education and Applied Human Sciences, I was drawn to EKU and the college because we are a School of Opportunity. I imagine you have chosen EKU in part because of our commitment to your success; from financial aid to the food pantry and faculty mentoring, we provide the support you will need to grow and graduate. Many years ago, I was a low-income student who wanted to go to college but knew my family couldn’t pay for it. A high school counselor helped me figure out how to pay for college and a university faculty mentor helped me find financial resources to finish college and prepare for graduate school. Both of them and many, many other educators and community leaders positively impacted my life, so it’s my mission to pass on that support to the next generation—you!
As you move throughout your time at EKU, please ask for help when you need it. I am here to support you. If you don’t know how to find a building or need supplies or don’t understand an assignment, ask us! Our faculty, staff, and student ambassadors are available to answer your questions and support you toward graduation. You can always reach me at Elizabeth.smith@eku.edu; I’d love to buy you your favorite Starbucks drink or meet up with you over Zoom to learn about your passion and how I can support you.
Warmly,
Dr. Elizabeth E. Smith
Dean, College of Education and Applied Human Sciences
At Eastern Kentucky University, we strive to continuously learn and develop the most effective ways to prepare teachers, leaders, and other professionals for the variety of school and professional settings that exist today. Our strategic initiatives and strategies define the primary goals, outline our work for the next five years, and ensure we achieve our primary goals.
Vision and Values
The College of Education is a college dedicated to innovative student engagement and success, advancing Kentucky, and impacting the world. Our values permeate the mission and allow us to achieve our vision: ethical decision-making, which is characterized by integrity, intentional stewardship of resources, and social responsibility; intellectual vitality, which is characterized by quality instruction and research, critical and innovative thinking, and on-going assessment; equity, which is characterized by sensitivity, respect, fairness, accommodation, and impartiality for all; collaboration, which is characterized by respectful, reciprocal accountability and service to local and global communities; and reflective practice, which is characterized by goal setting, self-evaluation, and a deep understanding of critical concepts and principles within one’s discipline.
Mission
As a school of opportunity, EKU’s education preparation programs prepare and empower learners to become dynamic partners in diverse communities.
Strategic Plan
To achieve our vision, EKU’s Education preparation programs focus on four strategic goals: Academic Excellence; Cultural Competency; Stewardship of Place; and Experiential Education. Additionally, the strategic plan identifies initiatives, performance indicators, outcomes, and measurements.