Baer will lead review of academic initiatives, digital measures during 2023-24 appointment
Indiana University Northwest associate professor Mark Baer was selected as a regional campus fellow for the 2023-24 year in the Indiana University Office of the Vice President of Regional Campuses and Online Education.
During his appointment, Baer will lead academic initiatives, which include reviewing promotion and tenure criteria, analyzing IU’s Activity Insight from Digital Measures (DMAI) process, meeting with consultants to address academic structure for IU online and completing other topics as identified.
Baer was selected alongside IU Southeast’s Seuth Chalenphonh among a competitive pool of candidates.
"I am so appreciative of the support I have received from so many of my colleagues throughout my work in shared governance that has led to this opportunity,” Baer said. “This fellowship is a chance for me to contribute to the success of the Regionals and continue to advocate for shared governance as we navigate the fast-changing landscape of higher education over the coming year."
Baer accepted an appointment as a tenure-track assistant professor of acting and directing at IU Northwest in 2011, where he is now a tenured professor teaching acting, directing, script analysis and sound design. In 2016, he received the IU Northwest Board of Trustees Teaching Award.
In addition to his teaching career, Baer’s selection came, in part, from his work over the past three years as the IU Northwest Faculty Organization president. As Faculty President, Baer helped IU Northwest navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and helped lead the Regional Faculty Caucus to the passage of the IU Regional Common Calendar.
With his appointment, Baer will take a year-long leave from his teaching duties in the School of the Arts at IU Northwest and will step down from his final year as Faculty President, though he plans on helping the Faculty Organization in whatever way necessary to provide a smooth transition. The Executive Committee is currently recruiting candidates for interim president and will run an election in August.
“We couldn’t be more excited for Mark and this opportunity that was presented to him,” Chancellor Ken Iwama said. “While we are sad Mark won’t be on campus every day, we are excited to see the greater impact he will make representing us and all of IU’s regional campuses.”
Baer, Chaleunphonh and Sciame-Giesecke will be visiting each IU campus in September to introduce themselves and gain valuable feedback ahead of their appointment.
