Christa Bowser
Interim Dean of Academic Affairs/Chief Academic Officer
Christa Bowser
Christa Bowser, who most recently served as Garrett College's associate dean of academic affairs, has been named GC's interim dean of academic affairs and chief academic officer (CAO).
Bowser replaces Dr. Ryan Harrod, who returned to the University of Alaska Anchorage after two years as Garrett's CAO.
"I appreciate Christa's willingness to accept the role of interim CAO," said Dr. Richard Midcap, Garrett College's president. "I have full confidence that Christa will continue to ensure our academic offerings meet the needs of our students and our local employers."
Bowser, who also holds the rank of professor of biology, said accepting the interim appointment "was an easy decision."
"I've had the honor of working alongside the faculty of Garrett College for many years," said Bowser. "I want to continue to work with the faculty and support them as they teach our students."
"Garrett County has always been my home, and helping GC serve this community is a task I will gladly take on," added Bowser.
Bowser, who became interim CAO on July 1st, said her major goals for the 2023-24 academic year include "advancing dual enrollment with Garrett County Public Schools and increasing academic program offerings at GC." To that end, the Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) recently approved both an Associate of Science degree in Exercise Science and a Health Sciences certificate for Garrett College.
"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.
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, a former Southern Garrett High School, teacher, was elected Garrett College's Faculty Senate co-chair after just two years on the faculty, serving in that role from 2014 to 2022.
"Christa's repeated elections as a Faculty Senate co-chair illustrate the confidence our faculty have in her," said Midcap. "That level of trust is not easily acquired. It played a key role in my decision to ask Christa to serve as interim CAO."
Midcap said the College will undertake a search for a permanent CAO starting later this fall. The search is intended to conclude with the new dean on board next July 1st.
"I'm confident we will not lose any of the momentum achieved under Ryan's leadership during Christa's term as interim CAO," said Midcap.
