UK Creates Department of STEM Education
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 22, 2011) — The University of Kentucky Board of Trustees today approved the creation of the Department of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in the UK College of Education, effective July 1, 2011.
This new department will expand and enhance STEM education efforts at UK and for the Commonwealth in significant ways. It will implement the use of focused disciplinary and transdisciplinary practices to prepare 21st century STEM education leaders and improve STEM education through the implementation of research-based practices, including engagement with the P20 Innovation Lab communities and businesses, unique research experiences, and innovative programs.
The STEM Education Department will build new bachelor's and doctoral programs in the teaching of science, technology, engineering and/or mathematics, along with strengthening teacher preparation programs already in place with the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.
Furthermore, the department plans to lead the Commonwealth in STEM education research by attracting graduate students as well as future STEM faculty researchers pursuing cutting edge research in these disciplines.
In other board action, a Doctor of Philosophy degree with a major in clinical and translational science was established in the Department of Behavioral Science in the College of Medicine. The degree, which will be available beginning in the fall 2011 semester, supports intellectually rigorous research education, training and career development of clinical and translational science scholars with the goal of improving the health through research.
The UK Board of Trustees also approved a change in the name of two degree programs effective this (spring 2011) semester.
In the College of Agriculture, the Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Conservation Management degree with a major in natural resource conservation and management now is the Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources and Environmental Science degree with a major in natural resources and environmental science.
In the College of Communications and Information Studies, the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree with a major in telecommunications is now the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Media arts and studies.
Q&A with Department of STEM Education Chair Jennifer Wilhelm