Innovative change ahead: Randolph expands academic and athletic offerings
Randolph College’s growth continued this year with the addition of new academic programs and athletic teams. The changes will occur over the next several years.
The newest academic offerings include majors in computer science, criminal justice/criminology, robotics and mechatronics engineering, film and video, marine science, and integrative studies.
In addition, a master’s degree in museum studies and a low-residency/online Master of Arts in Teaching degree were approved. Randolph will also launch a new honors program as part of this new rollout.
“This is such an exciting time to be at Randolph College,” said Sue Ott Rowlands, president. “These new programs are a testament to the innovation and creativity of our hardworking faculty,” she added. “Not only that, they show the commitment our community has to providing our students with the academic foundation they need to be prepared for our ever-changing world. Added to our already diverse, challenging curriculum, these new programs provide an array of opportunities for our students that will help them pursue their passions.”
The new programs were selected from proposals submitted by faculty earlier in the academic year. In most cases, the programs responded to specific interests and requests from current students, alumnae, and alumni.
“In my 10 years here, I’ve never seen so much momentum to provide more opportunities for our students,” added Gary Dop, dean of graduate studies and innovation.
Some of the programs, including computer science, marine science, and criminal justice/criminology, will be introduced for fall 2023, while others will be introduced over the next two years. The new programming is pending approval by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Also coming in the next two years: women’s STUNT and men’s volleyball teams.
The two new sports will join the WildCats for the 2024-25 academic year, bringing Randolph’s sponsorship to 20 varsity programs.
STUNT will compete as a NCAA Division III institution with the USA Federation for Sport Cheering (USA Cheer) as its governing body. Men’s volleyball will compete as a NCAA Division III sport.
In April, the College appointed Shania Thorpe as the first head women’s STUNT coach. A national search continues for the head men’s volleyball coach. Both teams will have a year-long recruiting cycle prior to competition in 2025.
“The addition of women’s STUNT and men’s volleyball marks an exciting time in the strategic growth plans for Randolph athletics and the College as a whole,” said Tom Galbraith, director of athletics. “The expansion of our offerings in athletics aligns with the vibrant new academic programs being developed at Randolph. There is definitely a palpable positive energy around campus, and it’s a privilege to be a part of that momentum.”
Tags: Vita 2023 Spring
