Truelove to be dean of Education

  Thursday, June 1, 2017 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

Pittsburg State University Provost Lynette Olson has announced that James Truelove has been named dean of PSU’s College of Education. Truelove is currently chair of the Department of Graduate Studies in Education at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Mo. He will begin his new duties at PSU on July 3.

Provost Olson said she was pleased that Truelove has agreed to serve as PSU’s next dean of the College of Education.

“Dr. Truelove brings to this position a successful background in program development and administration,” Olson said. “While recognizing our strong existing programs in the three departments within the college, I believe he will provide leadership in addressing current challenges and future opportunities.

“Dr. Truelove's references characterize him as an excellent teacher, genuine, approachable, and having a strong work ethic. These are all characteristics we value at Pittsburg State.

Truelove said he is excited about the opportunity to lead the college.

“It is a true honor to serve as the next dean of the College of Education at Pittsburg State University,” Truelove said. “I am looking forward to working with an excellent leadership team, experienced faculty and talented staff in continuing the legacy of providing a thriving learning environment for students. I am excited for the opportunity to support the continued success and develop future opportunities of the college.”

Truelove holds a bachelor of science degree in mathematics from Southwest Baptist University, a master’s degree in religious education from Midwestern Baptist theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from the University of Arkansas.

Truelove began his career in education as a junior high school mathematics teacher in Greenfield, Mo. He later taught at College Heights Christian School. He was first a graduate teaching assistant and then post-doctoral fellow at the University of Arkansas before moving to the University of Central Missouri in the role of assistant professor of secondary and middle school education.

Truelove returned to his alma mater, Southwest Baptist University, in 2007, earning the rank of professor of education in 2016. He was named chair of the Graduate Studies in Education Department in 2012 and since 2015, has led the Graduate Council, the governing body for graduate programs and degrees at the university.

Pittsburg State University’s College of Education has its roots in the earliest days of the university, which was founded in 1903 as a school to train teachers. Today, the College of Education has more than 1,500 majors in a variety of programs in the three departments that comprise the college. Those departments are Health, Human Performance and Recreation; Psychology and Counseling; and Teaching and Leadership.