Dr. Plumb to coordinate SE services at AHEC; Dr. Adair named Assistant Dean of Distance and Adult Education

Press Release Date: 11-17-2011

DURANT, Okla. – Southeastern Oklahoma State University president Larry Minks has announced two new appointments: Dr. Robin Plumb as Director of Academic Services at the Ardmore Higher Education Center, and Dr. Aaron Adair as Assistant Dean of Distance and Adult Education and Assessment Management System Coordinator at Southeastern.

Both of the appointments are effective immediately.

Plumb will serve as Southeastern’s primary representative at AHEC, being responsible for the University’s day-to-day operations, coordinating Southeastern’s academic programming, and teaching courses as needed. She will be the faculty advisor for Professional Education students, as well as advise and assist students in other academic disciplines. She will also advise students regarding financial aid and scholarship opportunities available to them through the University

Since 2010, Plumb has served as assistant professor of Educational Instruction and Leadership and coordinator of field experiences at Southeastern. Prior to that, she was director of academic programs for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Plumb earlier served as program coordinator for the Ardmore Higher Education Center and as academic coordinator for East Central University at AHEC. In addition to her work experience, Plumb is well versed in the workings of the AHEC, having fulfilled all the requirements for her degree in Elementary on-site in Ardmore.

Prior to her tenure in higher education, Plumb taught in the public schools at Healdton and Oklahoma City.

She earned her Ed.D. and master’s at East Tennessee State and her bachelor’s degree at Southeastern.

In his position, Adair will oversee the University’s entire Distance Education program, including online, blended, and IETV courses/programs. Other areas of focus will be Adult Education, which includes the Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and the Bachelor of General Studies programs; interfacing with Tribal Nations in cultivating and developing adult learning opportunities; and working with area industries in establishing educational partnerships. Another focus of this position is the implementation, integration, and management of assessment software.

Adair had been serving as associate professor of musical theatre and director of theatre at Southeastern.

Adair, who joined the Southeastern faculty in 2007, earned his Ph.D. at the University of Texas at Dallas, his master’s at Texas A&M-Commerce, and two bachelor degrees at Southeastern.

Southeastern president Larry Minks said that the outreach centers and distance education were among many issues discussed at the University’s recent professional development meeting. These appointments are one way to address the issues, he said, while at the same time, integrating key areas and optimizing operational efficiencies.

“We are delighted that Dr. Plumb and Dr. Adair are moving into these new roles,” Minks said. “They bring a unique set of skills that will enhance the work of the office of academic affairs. Our outreach centers and distance education programs continue to evolve, and we want to be innovative in our approach as we continue to meet the needs of our students. “