2008 Woodie Awards
New Dean of the Hamilton Holt School - Dr. Sharon Carrier
Matt Drury
Issue date: 4/22/05 Section: Holt News
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In your view, Dr. Carrier, what is the traditional role of the Dean of the Holt School?
The Dean of the Holt School provides the academic and administrative leadership for Rollins' evening undergraduate program; graduate programs in Corporate Communication and Technology, Counseling, Education, Human Resources, and Liberal Studies; and Office of Special Programs. The Dean works both internally with Rollins administrators, faculty, and staff and externally with civic groups, donors, and others for the benefit of Holt students, the College, and the Central Florida community.
How did you arrive at this point in your career?
My original plan after earning my Master's degree in 1981 was to teach. In fact, I spent eight rewarding years-five of them at Rollins-as an adjunct, teaching interdisciplinary humanities courses before accepting a full-time administrative position with Rollins' evening degree program for adult residents of Florida's Space Coast. As my responsibilities increased, I knew that administration in higher education was my career path. While serving as Rollins Brevard's Associate Dean and Interim Dean, I pursued studies in higher education administration at the University of Florida, where I earned my Ph.D. in 2002. This was also the year that I began my current position as Assistant Provost for Planning and Special Projects. This position has afforded me tremendous opportunities to coordinate the college's strategic planning effort and to lead preparations for reaffirmation of accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. I have always enjoyed my work at Rollins and am enthusiastic about beginning my new position on June 1 with the Holt School.
What attracted you to the position?
This is an exciting time, historically, to be a part of the Hamilton Holt School. President Duncan philosophically supports the Holt School and envisions more integration of Holt into the campus culture of the Arts & Sciences. There will be new possibilities for enhancing the Holt students' educational experience and for building on the strong foundation provided by the former and current deans, Dr. Patricia Lancaster and Dr. Bob Smither. I feel fortunate that the Holt School has talented faculty, staff, advisory board members, and alumni who are committed to its success. It will be fulfilling, once again, to work more closely with adult students who are highly motivated. I greatly admire these students for the many responsibilities they carry and the sacrifices they make to attain their educational goals.
After you become familiar with your new role, what plans do you have for the Holt community?
In my first year, I plan to learn as much as possible about Holt's programs, curricula, and services through conversations and meetings with faculty, students, and staff. Through open dialogue about Holt's strengths and weaknesses, exploration and implementation of best practices, and synergy with other Rollins programs, we will set a course to differentiate the Holt School from alternative evening programs in the local area and to become a model for other liberal arts colleges that seek to combine liberal education and community outreach for a diverse student population.
In what ways do you feel you'll be working with the student body in coming months?
As the spring semester comes to a close, I plan to attend as many Holt student events as possible and to listen to undergraduate and graduate students as they speak about their experiences at Rollins. In the fall, I would like to establish a regular forum for meeting with representatives of the Holt School Student Government Association. In my administrative work, I have found such conversations with student leaders to be mutually beneficial and enjoyable.
When and why should a student with a problem or concern come to you?
I want students to feel comfortable in sharing with me not only their concerns and problems, but their ideas and suggestions. Access and dialogue are important in this process so that small problems do not become larger ones and so that good ideas are not lost. Of course, there are policies that guide how formal complaints and appeals are handled, and I respect the roles that faculty and staff play in these processes. Rollins' size affords opportunities for students to receive more personal attention than they would receive at a large public institution, and I encourage students to take advantage of these opportunities.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I am honored to be appointed as the next Dean of the Hamilton Holt School. I think the Holt School has the potential to be the premier school of its kind, and I look forward to engaging the Holt School as a vital part of the Rollins community and an even greater resource for the Central Florida community.