Haselton has served as interim dean since 2008 while UofL conducted a national search to fill the post. The search, Provost Shirley Willihnganz said, yielded strong candidates but ultimately none garnered the widespread enthusiasm needed to successfully lead the college.
We’re grateful that Blake is willing to stay on, Willihnganz said. He has a thorough understanding of Kentucky’s education system and a proven track record of leadership, innovation and commitment to educational excellence.
Haselton, a former executive director of the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents, was superintendent of the Oldham County School District for 13 years. He has served in various roles throughout his career, including teacher, principal, guidance counselor, athletic director and coach.
UofL President James Ramsey said he was excited that Haselton agreed to remain at the college.
Education in Kentucky is changing dramatically and we were seeking a dean who had the experience, credentials and leadership to keep UofL on the cutting edge of that change, Ramsey said. I’m excited that we could convince Blake to accept the job in a more permanent capacity.
In the past three years, CEHD has seen increased enrollments, graduates, doctoral degrees awarded and funded research. The Kentucky Council for Post-Secondary Education recently released data indicating the college ranked first in the state in the percent of students scoring in the highest 15th percentile on the PRAXIS II exams and that data has been trending upward. And such initiatives as the Signature Partnership, Early Learning Campus and the UofL Autism Center on the Kosair Campus are exceeding expectations as resources to the University and community, Willihnganz said.
Haselton is a graduate of Western Kentucky University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture, a master’s in secondary education and counseling and an education specialist in school administration. He earned a doctorate in educational leadership and organizational development from UofL.