Two new dean appointees are preparing to begin the fall semester on the right foot.

Dr. John Folkins, provost and president for Academic Affairs, announced Monday that Dr. Richard Kennell will act as the dean of the College of Musical Arts while Dr. Josue Cruz Jr. will lead the College of Education and Human Resources.

Kennell, a member of the University community since 1980, feels that his experiences and personal connections established so far will help him in his new position.

“I feel I know the strengths of this college,” Kennell said. “I hope to be able to advance the mission of the college.”

Kennell has served as interim dean of the college since 2000. He also has served as assistant dean and acting dean of the college.

Several goals for the fall semester will shape his position as dean.

“I would like to try to get the music program as part of the general education of the University,” Kennell said. “An increase in enrollment in the college and the addition of a doctoral program remains a goal for me and the faculty.”

Kennell said he’s honored to have this opportunity and feels that the college is serving the students very well.

“The college is in very good shape,” Kennell said. “However, we always want to try to extend the quality of our faculty.”

Cruz, a current professor of childhood education and faculty assistant to the president at the University of South Florida, will join Kennell as a dean August 1.

Cruz has served at the University of South Florida since 1995 and is not unfamiliar with Ohio. From 1982-1995, Cruz served as the assistant vice provost for minority affairs and assistant dean in the Graduate College at Ohio State University.

“Dr. Cruz is becoming a member of the BG community at a time when the college is poised to make tremendous contributions to the University, the state of Ohio and the nation,” Folkins said in a statement earlier this week.

Cruz is internationally recognized as an advocate for children, families and quality teacher preparations. He has served on the board of directors for the World Organization for Early Childhood Education and participated in educational reform in El Salvador through the U.S. Agency for International Development.

According to Folkins, Dr. Cruz will enhance the college as he brings a fresh perspective to one of the largest teacher education programs in the country.

“Dr. Cruz is an active scholar whose research in early childhood education and policy has a broad national influence and application,” Folkins said. “His experiences, which bridge scholarship and administration, will enrich the college’s opportunities nationally and internationally