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 Tenure and Promotion of Dr. Kenneth Semmens
The University Tenure and Promotion Committee has reviewed and discussed the documents that Dr. Kenneth Semmens has provided in his online dossier in consideration of his application for (1) tenure and (2) promotion to the rank of Associate Professor. We have thoughtfully weighed that material against the criteria for tenure and promotion to the rank of Associate Professor as set forth in the Faculty Handbook of Kentucky State University and the associated Appendix K for his College.
Dr. Semmens holds a terminal degree in his field from Auburn University, and he has been employed in a tenure-track position at Kentucky State University since 2015. Dr. Semmens' appointment is split between teaching and research, with approximately 25% of his time devoted to teaching and the remainder devoted to his research agenda. His teaching experience at KSU includes a variety of courses, ranging from a Dual Credit course to several upper level courses in the aquaculture program. He has actively served many graduate students, serving as Major Advisor on 5 committees and as a member on 19 committees.
Dr. Semmens has served the University in multiple ways, including but not limited to the Faculty Senate, with appointments on the Budget and Academic Support Committee and the Academic Policies Committee, along with serving on the College of Agriculture AFE Curriculum Committee. He has also served on faculty search committees. His service extends to the community as well, through avenues such as the creation of STEM student experiences and educational videos for farmers of the Commonwealth.
Dr. Semmens has also been active in scholarly endeavors, including publication of nine peer-reviewed publications and multiple presentations at conferences in his field of expertise. He has also demonstrated his ability to secure grant funding for the University. His Curriculum Vitae provides ample evidence of his scholarly activities, which have likewise been noted by the Unit