Two Emporia State faculty members were recently named deans in the hopes of creating more emphasis of “go-to people” for students.

Gonzalo Bruce has recently been named the dean of International Education and Lynn Hobson has been named the dean of Students.

Bruce, previously the assistant vice president for International Education, said he hopes that under this new title of dean he can take the international dimension of ESU to the next level.

He said he hopes to achieve this by ensuring ESU’s recruitment efforts internationally are in line with the university’s commitment to diversity.

Bruce’s additional responsibilities include creating greater curriculum integration with international partner universities, including double-degree programs and more study abroad opportunities for ESU students and also continuing to attract talented students from the international network.

Hobson, previously the assistant vice president for Student Affairs, said this title change is in hopes of putting more emphasis on cooperation with students.

Hobson’s new responsibilities will include making sure students have an enjoyable and memorable experience both in and outside of the classroom. As the dean of students, she also will interact with student programs and organizations, such as the Associated Student Government and the Center for Student Involvement, to make sure organizations and students have a way to get connected at ESU based on their interests.

Hobson said ESU has had a strong relationship with places around the community like the Emporia Chamber of Commerce and Emporia Mainstreet and hopes to maintain and build onto these relationships as well as create new ones. She said they want to “create as many opportunities for students to be heard as possible.”

Alex Turley, freshman speech and theater education major, said that he thought the name changes were a positive move on the part of the university.

“The term dean demands a lot more respect for me and a lot of people,” Turley said.

Turley also said that he was glad getting the word out about activities on and off campus would be a heightened priority.

Both Bruce and Hobson will be a part of the Provost Council that is made up of the deans from their individual areas. Hobson said this is “one of the most important ways campus can move forward.”

Both deans will have the responsibility of promoting the best ESU experience possible.