Kate O’Connor, a Ferris State University associate professor of Architecture, is starting the 2023-24 academic year in a new role – but not the one she was expecting to fill.  

The move was announced this month by Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Bobby Fleischman announced this month that O’Connor will be filling in as the interim dean of the College of Engineering Technology. 

O’Connor is confident the college’s academic departments and programs can flourish. 

“I intend to communicate freely with my peers, work to empower individuals, and do so to make our community stronger,” O’Connor said. “Community success comes from the success of its individuals, and these dedicated professionals have started new programs and completed accreditation processes for the good of our college. With the wonderful people I am working with, I am glad to take up my new role, knowing we can continue to enhance and add to our accomplishments together.” 

O’Connor was set to become director of the School of Built Environment as the 2023-24 academic year began. But when College of Engineering Technology Dean Michael Staley departed, O’Connor offered to fill the role on an interim basis.  

O’Connor said her philosophical commitment to the success of communities has guided her as a professional and an academic, and she intends to apply herself similarly as an administrator. 

“I was operating my own firm in Vail, Colorado, when Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans,” O’Connor said. “I moved there and gave of myself and what I had learned to help that community recover. During that time, I made connections with Tulane faculty, which led me to earn my Master of Architecture II there and enter higher education.” 

O’Connor said her love of teaching brought her to Ferris State, where she has worked to serve the university while advancing to the associate professor rank. 

“I was a Ferris Faculty Association Executive Board member and held a similar role with the university’s Academic Senate,” O’Connor said. “Those experiences have contributed to my perspective and understanding of Ferris. I am thrilled as I enter this new opportunity and will work to help build the success of our community in a state I have grown to love.” 

Visit the College of Engineering Technology to learn more about its departments, academic programs and more. 

https://www.ferris.edu/CET/homepage.htm