Dr. Kareem Muhammad Named Dean of The College of Arts and Sciences

Author: Kelly Gehringer

Published Date: 7/7/2021

Categories: Academics Diversity Equity and Inclusion Faculty and Staff University News


Headshot of Kareem Muhammad.
Dr. Kareem Muhammad
Dr. Kareem Muhammad was named the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Carroll University.
 
Dr. Muhammad will lead the College of Arts and Sciences with a focus on the liberal arts and the university’s strategic plan, Pioneer Driven.  Pioneer Driven emphasizes enhancing teaching and learning, enriching the Carroll experience, building and leveraging partnerships, and growing strategically, all in the service of mission to deliver a superior education rooted in the liberal arts.
 
“Dr. Muhammad impressed our community with his vision for, and enthusiasm of, the College of Arts and Sciences here at Carroll,” said Dr. Mark Blegen, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Carroll University. “His vision and enthusiasm will push us to think differently and more creatively, improve upon our demonstrated strengths, and pave new opportunities for all students, faculty, and staff.”  
 
Dr. Muhammad, who has nearly two decades of teaching experience, most recently served as the Dean of the Division of Business, Education and Social Sciences at Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina. During his tenure with Allen, he led the creation and development of several new majors in response to market demand, hosted academic conferences to raise his division’s profile, and led curriculum redesign so that all students could see themselves reflected in their coursework. His focus on student success within his division led to increased student scholarship opportunities and dramatically improved student graduate school acceptance rates. In addition, he revised assessment practices to better align with university processes and created structures to support the academic achievement of students of color.   
 
“I look forward to bringing my vision to Carroll that will help develop the College of Arts and Sciences into a distinctive, dynamic and inclusive place of learning that is fit for the future of higher education,” said Dr. Muhammad. “Through my work as a scholar, instructor, mentor and passionate advocate for strong outcomes, I will continue to advance the College and ensure the academic programs align with the university’s mission, student demand and market needs.”
 
Dr. Muhammad earned his bachelor’s degree in Technical Writing from Chicago State University, his master’s degree in Journalism from Northwestern University, and his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Illinois.  His academic research focuses on the intersection of culture and race, with a specific interest in hip-hop subculture’s preeminent role in informing the contemporary black public sphere.
 
“It is an honor to announce Dr. Muhammad as a new, energetic leader for our College of Arts and Sciences,” said Dr. Cindy Gnadinger, president of Carroll University. “He is collaborative by nature, decisive in action and has an opportunity to build a legacy of transformation and excellence here at Carroll.
Panoramic View of campus