University Restructuring Leads to a New Hire
On February 8, 2021, representatives from University of Jamestown announced that Dr. Christopher Redfearn will serve as the new Associate Provost and Dean of the Undergraduate College amongst a restructuring at the University.
“Given the growth University of Jamestown has experienced in recent years in graduate and online programs, development of additional on-campus programs such as mechanical engineering and kinesiology, and an aggressive strategic plan, we have recently restructured the University by creating an Undergraduate College and a College of Graduate and Professional Studies,” explained UJ President, Dr. Polly Peterson.
The Undergraduate College is home to all of the University’s traditional on-campus programs. The Graduate and Professional Studies College houses the University’s Doctor of Physical Therapy, master’s degrees, and online undergraduate programs.
Under this new structure, Dr. Paul Olson will continue his role as Provost of the University, as well as Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies. In this role, Dr. Olson will lead the planning and implementation of several new programs.
New hire Dr. Redfearn will take over as Dean of the Undergraduate College, as well as serving as Associate Provost. Dr. Redfearn spent the past nine years as the Director of Choral Activities and as a faculty member in the Department of Music at Valley City State University, where he also served as Department Chair for six years. He earned a Doctor of Arts in Choral Conducting and Music Education from the University of Northern Colorado and a master’s degree in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University. Prior to going to graduate school, Dr. Redfearn taught high school for seven years in Michigan and Idaho.
“Dr. Redfearn had an impressive tenure as Chair of the Music Department at VCSU,” said Dr. Olson. “He has the demonstrated ability to set forward a compelling vision for undergraduate education and to rally support for that vision. He is an academic leader that accomplishes great things, and I think he will do great things at UJ.”
In addition to Dr. Redfearn’s academic and management experience, the University of Jamestown’s recent program development in the performing arts made Redfearn a natural candidate for this position.
“I am very excited to serve as associate provost and dean of the Undergraduate College at the University of Jamestown. I have a deep respect for the history, mission, vision of the University,” stated Dr. Redfearn. “The faculty and staff have a passion for UJ and for the success of the institution, which was evident during the interview process. I am honored to have been chosen for this responsibility, and I look forward to joining the UJ community.”
