Academic administrator named to national experiential education board

A Purdue University Calumet academic administrator has been elected to the National Society for Experiential Education (NSEE) Board of Directors.

Ron Kovach, assistant vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, is serving a three-year term beginning this month. As a board member, he will attend two annual board meetings a year and a national conference, participate in one or more standing or special committees, and serve as a liaison to a special interest group or network.

NSEE acts as a resource organization for development and improvement of experiential learning in colleges and universities.

Kovach’s service on the board also will enable him to help keep Purdue Calumet up-to-date about opportunities and advancements in experiential learning, as he will have opportunities to collaborate with hundreds of national, regional and local organizations.

Kovach of Schererville has played a key role in Purdue Calumet’s adoption of experiential education as a graduation requirement for incoming undergraduate students beginning this fall. Types of experiential education components available at Purdue Calumet include internships, cooperative education, applied research with faculty members, study abroad, design projects and community service learning.

“(Serving on the board) will help, because it broadens our resources nationally and helps our efforts in implementing our Purdue Calumet program,” Kovach said.

Purdue Calumet is one of three strategic partners of NSEE’s Experiential Education Academy.

Kovach believes his board position will enhance Purdue Calumet’s image and ensure that the experiential learning requirement will be rewarding for students.

“We’re doing very innovative things,” he said.

Kovach holds a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University and a master’s degree from Kent State. He also holds a Certificate of Special Studies in administration and management from Harvard University.

News Release Date: September 3, 2008