Casey is the Dean of Arts and Sciences at ASC
From Doris MacFarquhar, Monday Club Publist
Kathleen Casey, Dean of Arts and Sciences at Alfred State College, was the featured speaker for the Monday Club this week. She is a Wellsville High School graduate who earned her Math degree at Alfred U., challenging high expectations for women in math. She continued earning degrees, Masters in statistics at U.B., and PhD in Educational Psychology. This foundation and her steady interest in math and psychology prepared her for 30 years at Alfred State College, focusing on sustaining student interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) subjects.
Dr. Casey noted that Alfred State has changed a lot in those 30 years. Enrollment there has increased greatly, while many other colleges have decreased. At approximately 3600 students, and 677 employees, it is now larger than Alfred U., St. Bonaventure, or Houghton.
Students have classes in Alfred and at the campus in Wellsville. Programs differ at the two locations. Alfred campus offerings include Architectural Tech, Mechanical Engineering , Nursing, and Vet Tech. Wellsville’s campus is home to Applied Technology, Electrical, Building Trades, Welding, Auto Service Tech, and Heavy Equipment. Over 1,000 degrees were awarded in this past school year (2023-24).
With differing preparedness, especially in math, some students may need a third year to complete their program. Attracting new students, and then supporting them while they attend, are ongoing challenges. One process is to help guide the “undecided”. Another support for retention includes extra academic help, bridging the growth from high school to college and helping those who struggle with personal and family issues
There are online degrees offered, targeting adult learners. Some programs can be extended to a four year bachelor’s degree. Alfred State College has a very high placement rate, with over 98% of students employed within a year of graduation. Over 220 potential employers attend the college’s job fairs.
In summary, Dr. Casey has an ever changing and challenging job that uses her skills in applying psychology to help students master STEM classwork, earn practical degrees, and enter the workforce as productive graduates earning good salaries.
Next week, the Monday Club will pay a visit to Northern Lights for a tour of that local company’s production facilities.
