Recently, the Keene State administration has been discussing a proposition to implement a three-school system at the college. The system would break the college into three different sections: School of Arts and Sciences, School of Applied Sciences and Technologies and the School of Education and Health and Social and Behavioral Sciences. This proposal is a refinement of the rebrand The Equinox reported on Jan. 29, with the goals of the administration being to highlight the diversity of offerings at the college.
Kirsti Sandy, provost and vice president for academic affairs, shared the reasoning behind the proposal.
“We wanted something that would show how Keene State is distinctive, and if you look at us now you see a college with a lot of academic programs,” Sandy said. “It would allow us to focus our work together and work in smaller groups. I think it benefits us since what our old model didn’t show was the many, many types of experiences that students get here.”
Sandy elaborated that the new system won’t necessarily affect the student experience, and that it may be more noticeable to incoming and prospective students.
Sandy said she hopes the change will communicate Keene State’s identity better, saying “We are a liberal arts college plus the applied work that I think is very important to see. I think there’s some faculty work that has been invisible and I don’t want it to be invisible.”
Sandy emphasized that she “does not think we [KSC] should let administrative structure dictate what our school looks like” and “we should lead with who we are, then we should make an administrative structure fit who we are best.”
Sandy, an English professor who had served as dean of arts, education and humanities for several years, was named the interim provost in summer 2024. Recently, “interim” was dropped from her title.
“This position is challenging. I think it’s especially challenging given [former KSC President Melinda] Treadwell’s departure,” Sandy added. “We can’t fill Melinda’s shoes, but I want to be able to give a face to the administration on campus. I think they’ve [students] been missing her presence. We’re in a tough spot in NH right now, in terms of funding, in terms of budget, but the more I learn, the more I am in awe of what faculty do with students. I’m in awe of the work our students do. I’m really proud to be in this role.”
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