Chadron State dean takes new post

Welch’s last day at Chadron State will be June 30, the end of his contract. He has been the dean of professional and graduate studies since July 1, 2002.

Welch was the first of two deans to be appointed at Chadron State in 2002 following reconfiguration of four schools into two as part of the college’s strategy for coping with the budget reductions that were necessitated by Nebraska’s financial shortfalls. Chadron State’s School of Professional and Graduate Studies includes the Departments of Applied Sciences, Business and Economics, Counseling, Psychology and Social Work, Education and Health, and Physical Education and Recreation.

Welch came to Chadron State from Howard University in Washington, D.C., where he was professor of counseling psychology. Before that, he taught psychology at his alma mater, the University of Northern Colorado, for 27 years. He also spent three years in the late 1990s as chairman of the Department of Psychology at Gannon University at Erie, Pa., where he developed that institution’s first doctoral program.

Welch said the opportunity to teach again lured him to the position at St. Thomas.

“I appreciate the opportunity to work at Chadron State College,” Welch said. “Although I’m leaving and Chadron State has some challenges ahead, I believe the college is well-positioned to address issues important to the region.”

Welch and his wife Marie have two sons who live in the Denver area.

Dr. Joyce Hardy, Chadron State vice president for academic and student affairs, said the Welches were involved in many activities and will be missed.

“David and Marie have become an important part of our campus community,” she said. “We wish them well.”