Former student continues his influence around campus by becoming dean of arts and sciences.
By Ryan Johnston
After months of searching for a dean of arts and sciences, former math Chair and Professor Conrad Krueger was given the title at a Dec. 11 meeting of the Alamo Community College District board of trustees.
The search for a dean started in April 2007 directed by a hiring committee chaired by Dr. Alice Johnson, dean of learning resources at this college.
Four candidates were interviewed in April, and three more were interviewed in October and early November.
After the committee selected, the president recommended one to the board of trustees who approved the candidate.
“We make a list of potential candidates best suited for the job,” she said. “However, in the end the decision is up to him.”
“When I got the position, I was excited, but also a bit scared,” he said. “All changes can be a little scary, but I’ve always enjoyed working with the people here.”
Bill Richardson, former interim dean of arts and sciences, has moved back to the position of kinesiology and dance chair.
“He has been helping, and I believe we all benefited when he was in that position,” he said.
However, Richardson has been helping Krueger during the transition, and President Robert Zeigler said he believed Krueger has eased into the position.
“(Bill) Richardson has done an excellent job helping during the transition period,” Zeigler said. “Mr. Krueger is doing very well and enjoying his job.”
Krueger began attending this college as a nontraditional student at age 32 in summer 1988.
With being a nontraditional student, Krueger said he feels he can relate to students starting college later.
“I think I can identify with them well because it can be a scary experience and a nervous time,” he said.
“Especially if they have family and children, there are many challenges, and I feel I can understand where they are coming from.”
However, he said, he also can help younger students because of his time with his children.
“I can tell them to take care of their education now and not to wait until later,” he said.
He said he felt a need to come back to this campus to teach because of the instructors and students. In 1994, he became a professor in the math department.
He said that because of his time in the math department and his history with this college, it will be beneficial to his new position.
“It helped quite a bit because I have been involved in many committees at SAC and the district,” he said. “I’m still looking forward to getting to know these departments even better and learning their strengths and weaknesses. I’m getting involved with many aspects of the college, and I’m still getting to know it all.”
Starting this semester with his new position, Krueger said he is looking forward to serving the faculty and students.
“It’s a privilege to be in this position and work with so many people,” he said. “We have a great group of students and faculty.”