MANHATTAN — Claudia A. Petrescu, a chief strategic planning officer and professor of public administration from Michigan, will become Kansas State University's first vice provost for graduate education and serve as dean of the university's Graduate School.Petrescu's appointment was made by K-State Provost and Executive Vice President Charles Taber following a national search. Petrescu will start her new duties on Jan. 10, 2021. She replaces Carol Shanklin, who is retiring, as dean of the Graduate School."I am excited to have Dr. Petrescu join us in this newly defined leadership role of vice provost for graduate education and dean of the Graduate School at Kansas State University," Taber said. "She joins K-State at an exciting time as we engage in new and innovative graduate programming and strategic enrollment efforts. She will bring a fresh and relevant perspective to our graduate programs and will be a strong advocate for graduate students."
In her new role, Petrescu will provide strategic leadership and vision to help advance graduate education in directions consistent with K-State's goals and priorities and the evolving role of graduate education in the 21st century. She will oversee operations of the Graduate School and will work collaboratively with partners — including the college deans, faculty, students, program coordinators, administration and more — to develop fresh approaches to graduate program enrollment."I am truly honored for being chosen to serve as the inaugural vice provost for graduate education and dean of the graduate school at K-State," Petrescu said. "I am looking forward to working with Provost Taber and with K-State's leaders, faculty, staff, students, alumni and community members in supporting the university's mission by advancing graduate education in strategic and innovative ways.
By Beth Bohn
K-State News and Communications Services