Developing new curricula is among the most rewarding work for me as an academic administrator. To me, it is similar to solving a puzzle with guidelines that are often vague and difficult to predict. One of my strongest skill sets is the ability to synthesize something new out of components that are already present. That has been a formula that has been successful for me in the roles I have played in my career. It is also important to me that curricular development be a team project – particularly when I work with departments in my present role to assist them with assembling their programmatic vision. See A Process for New Program Development as an example.
The majority of my work in this area has occurred at Fort Hays State University, an institution that has been growing enrollment rapidly through its distance education and international programming since the year 2000. The majority of this work has also been interdisciplinary. Some examples of past successes I have been involved with include new concentrations and minors within existing approved degrees (Bachelor of Arts in Music Technology, Bachelor of Music in Composition, and Master of Liberal Studies concentrations) and new degree programs which required approval by the Kansas Board of Regents (Master of Professional Studies and Doctor of Nursing Practice).
Another curricular project I am currently supervising at FHSU is a revision of our current general education program. This is a three year project that is in its third year of work by the university general education committee led by the Director of General Education who reports to me. The breadth of this project is the most challenging task I have lead to date. It has been great experience for me working with shared governance structures in our university.
In my present role, I maintain the catalog of current curricula across the university and work with departments and colleges to ensure the highest levels of quality in these curricula according to Higher Learning Commission and specialized accreditation criteria. Curricular mapping is an important skill set that I have learned to insure proper assessment is occurring.
Timothy R Crowley 