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Get to Know Dr. Stephen Germic

Dr. Germic arrived on campus on Sept. 3 as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. He replaces President James Cousins, who served in this role for three years. Welcome, Dr. Germic! We are glad you are here.

Hometown
“I grew up outside of Detroit, in Clawson, Mich., though my family roots are in the “U.P.,” Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. At heart, I am a ‘Yooper.’”

Why you chose English and teaching?
“I love reading, and I love learning. Talking about books has always been one of the great pleasures of my life, and to do it for living? How could I ask for more?”

About your career?
“I think life should be treated as an adventure. Probably because I read so many adventure books growing up, and, well, I am reading them even to this day. Exploring new places and learning new cultures, even cultures within the U.S., keeps us growing and learning, and I have been very fortunate to pursue a career that has allowed me to live a full and adventurous life.

“A highlight is probably the time I spent in Cairo, Egypt, where I was brought on as an English professor but also to support a new Center for American Studies at the American University in Cairo, which I eventually came to co-direct. The mission of the Center, which was endowed by a generous gift from a Saudi prince, was to help increase mutual understanding between the United States and Arab States in a ‘post 9/11’ world. This was rich and rewarding work that taught me a great deal about the power of listening, mutual respect and the scale of what can be accomplished with shared goodwill.” (more…)

Kentucky Wesleyan College earns recognition as a U.S. News & World Report Best College

Kentucky Wesleyan College has been ranked No. 22 among the 2025 Best Regional Colleges South by U.S. News & World Report and is the highest-ranking Kentucky institution in its category.

“This recognition reflects the dedication of our faculty and staff to our students,” said Dr. James Cousins, president of Kentucky Wesleyan.

“We are honored and thrilled that the highly regarded U.S. News & World Report acknowledges our commitment to providing a superior education.” (more…)

Kentucky Wesleyan College launches Forward Under 40 recognition for alumni

Kentucky Wesleyan College is proud to recognize rising Panthers in various fields through its brand-new Forward Under 40 program. This recognition will be celebrated for alumni who exemplify The Wesleyan Way with an emphasis on service, progress and leadership. 

The inaugural Class of 2025 will be announced in November and officially recognized at the Forward Under 40 Celebration on Feb. 22 during KWC’s Spring Reunion Weekend. Nominations are open through Oct. 6.  

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Philanthropy Spotlight – Dr. Gene and Cheryl Tice

Dr. Gene Tice served as interim president of KWC from June-November 2019.

“As an outsider looking in, I always admired KWC from a distance. In my position at WKU-O, I met regularly with previous KWC presidents, so I knew a lot about the College. And I always enjoyed driving by the beautiful, well-kept campus, which is such a positive reflection of what KWC is.

“I earned my undergraduate degree from a similar institution, Muskingum College (now University) in Ohio, where I played football. My undergrad experience was a significant part of my life. So, as I drove down Frederica over the years and looked over at the campus, I was flooded with memories of my tremendous small-college experience.

“What an honor it was to be approached about the interim presidency. Being a part of KWC was a good move for me and a great way to end my career in higher ed. Those months were an exciting time; it felt good to be a part of the place I had admired from afar for such a long time. (more…)

Kentucky Wesleyan College announces appointment of provost

Kentucky Wesleyan College announces the appointment of Stephen Germic, Ph.D., as provost and vice president of academic affairs, the position previously held by President James Cousins. Dr. Germic most recently served as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at Aquinas College in Michigan and previous to that position was provost at Rocky Mountain College in Montana.

Dr. Germic holds a B.A. in English from Albion College and a Ph.D. in American Literature from Wayne State University. He has developed academic programs at two small colleges and has served as a faculty member at several institutions in the United States, and in Cairo, Egypt, and Dubai. He has published one book, “American Green: Class, Crisis, and the Deployment of Nature in Central Park, Yosemite, and Yellowstone,” and numerous articles, reviews, poetry and creative nonfiction.

“It is a genuine honor and privilege to be joining President Cousins and the wonderful faculty, staff and students of KWC,” said Dr. Germic. “It felt like home from the moment I visited campus. It’s a very special place, and I look forward to working with everyone toward the College’s continued growth and success!” (more…)