Florida Institute of Technology
High Tech with a Human Touch
Deans' Priorities
Leading the Way
Florida Tech's deans state their cases for support for each of their areas. Click below to learn more:
Tell us about the College of Psychology and Liberal Arts
Mary Beth Kenkel, Dean
Building new programs that address societal needs and interests in art and music, the College of Psychology and Liberal Arts has doubled its enrollment in the past five years. From its distinctive forensic psychology major to its communication program focused on technical fields, the college prepares students for careers of the future.
The School of Psychology has long had a strong Doctor of Psychology program. Tell us about the other graduate programs in psychology.
The graduate programs in behavior analysis, clinical and industrial/organizational psychology prepare researchers and practitioners dedicated to improving the functioning of individuals, families and organizations. We’re proud to have a very strong program in industrial/organizational psychology, ranked among the very best in the nation, as well as nationally renowned applied research in autism.
Community outreach is a large part of the college’s mission. How do you hope to support this outreach in the years ahead?
Our highest priority is the opening of the Scott Center for Autism Treatment. With this new facility, we will be able to help local children and families cope with the effects of autism, while adding greatly to the body of knowledge through applied research.
The arts are growing by leaps and bounds at Florida Tech. How will you nurture these new programs?
We hope to provide funding for undergraduate scholarships and graduate fellowships to help us recruit talented students in these new academic fields. The opening of the Ruth Funk Center for Textile Arts is a significant addition to the campus and give these fledgling programs an important boost.
What needs are you focused on during the next few years?
We would like to develop funding for a new classroom building, as well as new endowment funds for our humanities lecture series, music program and Creative Writing Institute.