Campus News
June 17th, 2024
GC names Bowser to lead academics
Former Southern Garrett HS teacher was college professor, interim dean
Christa Bowser was recently named dean of academic affairs/chief academic officer for Garrett College.
Sometimes the best option is right in front of you.
That was certainly the case when Garrett College conducted a nationwide search for a new dean of academic affairs/chief academic officer (CAO). Christa Bowser – a former Southern Garrett High School teacher, Garrett College faculty member, and interim dean – was the unanimous selection of a cross-divisional search committee to permanently lead GC’s academic division.
“We had a responsibility to do a broad-based search to identify the best possible candidate,” said Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College’s president. “That said, I’m not surprised that Christa was a consensus choice. I think it’s exciting that the very best candidate for this job was someone who was born and raised in Garrett County.”
“I look forward to working with GC’s talented faculty and staff, and continuing to contribute to the academic community as the CAO,” said Bowser.
Bowser replaces Dr. Ryan Harrod, who returned to the University of Alaska Anchorage after two years as Garrett’s dean of academic affairs/chief academic officer last summer. Bowser was named interim dean/CAO for the 2023-24 academic year.
“Christa did an outstanding job in a challenging situation,” said Midcap. “I’ve served as an interim CAO, and it’s a difficult assignment. You have all of the responsibility – but no assurance on longevity. Christa never worried about that – she made the decisions she thought made sense and let the chips fall where they may. And Christa makes good decisions.”
Bowser said she appreciated the opportunity to take a leadership role in her local community college.
“Garrett County has always been my home, and helping GC serve this community is a task I will gladly take on,” added Bowser.
During her academic year as interim CAO, Bowser oversaw the launch of a health sciences certificate, and development of a radiologic technology program that is expected to start in fall 2025.
“One of my highest priorities is increasing health-related degrees and certificates that transfer seamlessly to four-year institutions or can be used to move directly into a health-related career field,” said Bowser, noting the wealth of jobs in the healthcare industry.
Bowser worked with Garrett County Public Schools to expand high school dual enrollment with Northern Garrett and Southern Garrett high schools. She also played a key role in strengthening the College’s academic program review process, and worked cross-divisionally on numerous student success efforts.
Bowser’s faculty experience – which includes a decade of full-time teaching preceded by several years as an adjunct faculty member – isn’t the only valuable perspective she brings to her new position. Bowser attended Garrett College as part of the High School Dual Enrollment program, and also took summer classes at GC when she was home from Alderson Broaddus College.
Bowser was elected as Garrett College’s Faculty Senate co-chair after just two years on the faculty, serving in that role from 2014 to 2022.
“Christa clearly has the respect and support of our faculty,” said Midcap. “That level of trust is not easily acquired. And it’s just one more reason why I think Christa is the perfect chief academic officer for Garrett College.”
The College is currently seeking a new associate dean of academic affairs to fill the void left by Bowser’s promotion. Kym Newmann, whose permanent position is coordinator of student affairs, is currently serving as interim associate dean of academic affairs.
“Kym has had a positive impact on the Academic Affairs Division,” said Bowser. “We’re fortunate someone of Kym’s abilities and commitment to students was available to fill the interim associate dean’s role. Kym is deeply committed to student success, and took this role to support the success of our students.”
