Division of Behavioral and Social Sciences 400 East Main Street, Second Floor Hathaway Hall Frankfort, KY 40601

TO: Interim Provost Lucian Yates

FROM: University Tenure and Promotion Committee

DATE: February 5, 2021

RE: Application for Early Tenure of Dr. Keith McCutchen

The University Tenure and Promotion Committee has reviewed and discussed the documents submitted by Dr. Keith McCutchen in his online dossier in consideration of his application for tenure. We have thoughtfully weighed that material against the criteria for tenure as set forth in the Faculty Handbook of Kentucky State University, giving consideration to his scholarly and creative activity, service and teaching, as well as the related material in his file including but not limited to the letters of the Chair and Dean, and the Unit Committee Report.

Dr. McCutchen holds a Doctorate of Music in Choral Conducting from Indiana University – Bloomington, which he earned in 2017. He was hired at Kentucky State University in 2016, at the rank of Associate Professor. Dr. McCutchen has an impressive curriculum vitae with respect to his scholarly and creative endeavors, serving as guest composer, clinician, conductor and lecturer across a variety of settings. Dr. McCutchen has also provided valuable service to the University and to the local community in multiple areas, including serving on the Green Ribbon Commission and the Faculty Senate, the Academic Prioritization Committee and the Gear Up KYSU program.

The University Tenure and Promotion Committee has reviewed Dr. McCutchen’s dossier and have determined that we concur with the Dean’s evaluation which noted significant concern with his leadership of students in the Concert Choir and within the classroom setting. Student evaluations that are included as part of his dossier indicate a strong negative attitude toward students and toward his role as a teacher. As an institution that prides itself on the strength of faculty relationships with students, these evaluations caused great consternation among members of the Committee. Dr. McCutchen provided a response to the Dean, noting his willingness to work toward positive change in this area. Nonetheless, we are in unanimous agreement that tenure should not be granted at this time, and that Dr. McCutchen should reapply during the next academic cycle, in accordance with the policy in the Faculty Handbook Section 2.6.4, cited