Dr. Gareth John has been appointed as the interim dean of the College of Science and Engineering (COSE).
John has been a professor of geography at St. Cloud State University since 2005. Originally from Wales, UK, John is a first-generation college graduate who earned his Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky. His research has examined the cultural and commemorative landscapes of the American West and Minnesota.
A committed teacher-scholar, he has co-published with former SCSU students and, in 2017, he received SCSU’s Hellervik Prize for his faculty-student partnered research with graduate student Molly Lou Pintok on narratives related to the US-Dakota War of 1862 in historic site markers in Kandiyohi County.
After several years directing the geography program at SCSU, John served as chair of the former geography and planning department, during which time he helped integrate geography and land surveying programs into COSE’s Department of Atmospheric and Earth Sciences.
He most recently led the development of the University’s new geospatial science program, which combines disciplinary geography with cutting-edge geospatial technologies to prepare students for high-demand STEM careers in GIS, remote sensing and geospatial analysis.
“Dr. John’s collaborative leadership approach, deep institutional knowledge and proven ability to navigate complex organizational transitions make him exceptionally well-suited to guide COSE through this transformative period,” said Katherina Pattit, provost and vice president of academic affairs.
John succeeds Adel Ali, who served as dean since 2020.
