When Don Swoboda, the founding dean of WKU’s Division of Extended Learning and Outreach announced his retirement, Gordon Emslie began searching for an Interim Associate Vice President for DELO.

Emslie, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, involved the WKU community in his process of finding a person to carry the position before it was permanently filled.

He appointed Beth Laves, because as the assistant to the dean of DELO, he believed she would be a good fit.

“She was already at DELO and very involved,” Emslie said. “She has great knowledge of the organization and the respect of the staff.”

Laves will begin her new role on Oct. 1.

“I am very excited to have this new position,” Laves said. “It is a great opportunity to make greater strides in what we’re doing. I am excited to be a part of this division and move forward.”

DELO is an academic outreach arm of the university that works to provide programs and services not on campus, such as online courses and workforce development courses, Laves said.

DELO partners with university faculty and departments to offer convenient and flexible learning opportunities to students, according to a university press release. It works with businesses and organizations to provide customized training, to plan special events, and to develop degree programs that meet their specific needs.

“I have worked in the division since it began,” Laves said. “I am very familiar with all the programs and I hope to make this a smooth transition for DELO.”

Now that the interim position is filled, Emslie is now going through the process to fill the position permanently, which he estimates will be early next year.

“I am very happy to make this appointment and I’m confident I’ve made a good choice.” Emslie said. “I now look forward to filling the permanent position.”