Haselton to become Interim Dean at U of L

With all the hubbub surrounding the University of theVille this week it's good to be reminded of this story (and photo) from Brad Hughes at KSBA last week:

Blake Haselton, executive director of the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents (KASS), is leaving that post to become interim dean of the College of Education and Human Development at the University of Louisville.

Haselton, a former Oldham County superintendent, became the KASS exec three years ago following the retirement of former KASS Executive Secretary Roland Haun. While serving as the staff member for the superintendent's association, Haselton has been on the staff of U of L's education school. U of L's current education dean, Dr. Robert Felner, left to become chancellor of the University of Wisconsin system.

"Last Friday I was asked to discuss the position with University of Louisville President Jim Ramsey and he offered me the position of Interim Dean. Needless to say, this was an unexpected development but an exciting opportunity for me," Haselton said in an e-mail to the state's superintendents.

"I also think it is significant that the university would place a practitioner in the role of Interim Dean. Both President Ramsey and Provost Shirley Willihnganz indicated they want to continue to build on those relationships with school systems and I expect to continue to be an active advocate toward that goal," he said.

"My three years with KASS have been a wonderful experience," Haselton said. "We continue to be at a crossroads in elementary and secondary education and I will continue to be committed to achieving the goal of providing an adequate education for all kids. I have advised President Kelley Crain (superintendent of the Fleming County Schools) and the executive committee that I will continue to serve as your executive director during a transition period to a new director and will do anything I can to assist in the transition."

A little bit of light in a world of darkness.