USI appoints new dean of Pott College

The University of Southern Indiana announced this week that Dr. Shelly Blunt has been appointed to the position of dean of the Pott College of Science, Engineering, and Education. Blunt has served as interim dean since January.

Blunt has held various jobs at the university including serving as associate provost for academic affairs, associate dean for the Pott College and a university advising fellow. She currently serves on the Science Education Foundation of Indiana Board and the Medical Professions Academy Advisory Board.

“Dr. Blunt has an impressive record of accomplishments in leading change through strategic thinking and organizational acumen. Her leadership approach embodies a commitment to collaboration, exceptional outcomes and alignment with an organization’s values and mission,” USI Provost Dr. Mohammed Khayum said.

The university said that Blunt’s research interests revolve around directed metalations in organic syntheses, STEM education, academic advising, and student success and persistence. Blunt has generated over $4.5 million in external funding to support her research interests. 

In her five-year role as university advising fellow, the university said Blunt oversaw the creation of first-year advising centers in each of USI’s academic colleges, the successful implementation of a new general education core, the development of a university-wide first-year seminar class and the implementation of state-wide articulation agreements. 

The incumbent dean earned her undergraduate degree at Truman State University in Missouri and her doctoral degree in chemistry from the University of Iowa.