TO: Dr. M. Christopher Brown II
Eighteenth President
FROM: Lucian Yates, III, Ph.D.
Interim Provost and VP for Academic Affairs
RE: Recommendation for Tenure and Promotion Dossier
Dr. Kenneth Semmens
DATE: February 10, 2021
The following recommendation is provided for Dr. Kenneth Semmens, candidate for Promotion to the rank of associate professor with tenure pursuant to the Kentucky State University Faculty Handbook (last updated and published in 2019). In making this review, I have relied on evidence from the candidate's dossier, the evaluations provided by peers and supervisors, and the relevant sections of the Faculty Handbook, specifically 2.6.1.1., 2.6.1.2., 2.6.1.3, 2.6.1.3.1, 2.6.1.3.2, 2.6.3.3.2, and 2.6.1.4. In the case of faculty in the College of Agriculture, Community and the Sciences, the relevant Appendices to the Faculty Handbook have also been employed.
Dr. Semmens meets the minimum qualifications for promotion to the rank of associate professors with tenure. The candidate has degrees in his teaching field--a bachelor's degree from the University of Washington, an MS and PhD. in fisheries from Auburn University. The candidate demonstrated competence in teaching, research, and service, including but not limited to extramural funding, publications in peer reviewed journals, and he has successfully advised and mentored students.
Review of Teaching and Teaching Effectiveness: As described in Section 2.6.1.1, there is sufficient evidence in the dossier of course planning, maintaining currency in the candidate's field, and of effective teaching. Of particular note is that he has taught eleven sections of undergraduate courses, four graduate sections where he has received consistently good evaluations. Several of his students have gone on to study for the doctorate in the agricultural sciences.
Review of Scholarly and Creative Activity: As indicated in the candidate's application, Section 2.6.1.2 has been met through the publication of nine peer reviewed articles, a successful capacity building grant from USDA for 597,000, and effective mentoring and supervising of students.