New Leadership Hires

PUEBLO – Colorado State University-Pueblo has announced the hiring of three individuals to lead the School of Nursing, Extended Studies, and Student Recreation.

Dr. Joe Franta has been named the permanent Associate Dean of Nursing following a national search. The School of Nursing is one of five administrative units in the College of Education, Engineering, and Professional Studies (CEEPS). His appointment is effective January 1, 2018.  Franta will manage recruitment, admission, and retention of students and insure delivery of program services and activities, as well as implement plans to attain objectives and to maintain accreditation. The Associate Dean administers the ACEN-accredited undergraduate and graduate nursing programs; plans and manages the school budget; participates in academic governance at the school, college, and university levels; and creates and maintains an academic environment that fosters excellence in teaching, research, and community service. The Associate Dean also guides both curriculum and faculty development, secures external funding, and collaborates with the health care and nursing communities through an external advisory council to further the school, college, and university missions. Franta earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from CSU-Pueblo and Master of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees from the Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs. 

According to CEEPS Dean Dr. Sylvester Kalevela, Franta has significant budgeting, teaching, and grant experience, works well in a team environment, and “leads with a quiet strength.”  Franta has been with the department for more than a decade, serving as Interim Associate Dean of Nursing since January 1, 2016. Prior to his interim position, Dr. Franta was the coordinator of the Nursing graduate program. He also has served as a Family Nurse Practitioner at St. Thomas More Hospital, Parkview Medical Center, and the Colorado Department of Corrections. 

Effective Jan. 1, Dr. Kristyn White Davis will provide leadership for the University's extended studies programs as the new Director of Extended Studies. The Director of Extended Studies regularly assesses market driven educational needs and responds as appropriate with modifications to program offerings. Extended Studies provide courses to non-traditional students and those at a distance. A variety of educational methods - classroom instruction, correspondence courses, on-line courses, conferences, workshops and seminars - are utilized to expand educational access and meet the needs of students at convenient times and settings. Off-campus instruction sites include Colorado Springs Tower and Fort Carson. White Davis has served as interim director since October 16, 2017.  Since 2011, she had served as director of the Master of Business Administration program and special assistant to the Dean in the Malik and Seeme Hasan School of Business. She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a master’s degree in secondary language arts education from the University of Colorado-Boulder and a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy from the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs.  

Emily McElwain will begin her duties as Director of Student Recreation on Jan. 8. The Director of Student Recreation reports to the Dean of Student Affairs. As a leader within the Student Affairs team, McElwain will facilitate partnerships with campus divisions, particularly academic affairs, to provide students with vibrant experiential opportunities that enhance students' fitness and wellness, knowledge, personal skills, and growth. She also will oversee management and operation of the Student Recreation Center, and development of a comprehensive recreation program.  The Student Recreation Center is a student-fee funded facility, meaning its annual budget is tied directly to student enrollment and directed in collaboration with student government bylaws; the student advisory committee, and the Dean for Student Affairs.
 

McElwain earned a bachelor’s degree in communication and a master’s degree in higher education administration from the University of Missouri, where she has served as associate director of recreation services and facilities since 2007. Prior to that, she was a donor recruitment representative with the American Red Cross.