Dr. Byron Bond has been named dean of continuing education at EKU.

Bond, who succeeds the recently retired Dr. Kenneth Nelson, oversees extended campus operations, workforce development, conferencing and continuing education. He has 25 years experience in higher education, the last four at Indiana State University, where he was executive director of the Division of Lifelong Learning.

"Dr. Bond's extensive experience in lifelong learning and extended instructional services made for an excellent fit," said EKU President Joanne Glasser. "He is a great addition to our team."

Bond said he was attracted to Eastern because of the University's "student-centered philosophy. My passion is in serving people who, for whatever the reason, have experienced difficulties going to college during the traditional timeframe."

Of the 2,000-plus students enrolled at EKU's extended campus centers in Corbin, Danville and Manchester, approximately half are of non-traditional age. Many are place-bound because of families or jobs, or both.

"I want to help EKU continue in its growth mode in outreach and service throughout the region and Commonwealth," Bond said. "This opportunity is full of potential, so I come to it with a great deal of enthusiasm."

Bond said he would continue to work toward bringing more complete degree programs to the centers while refining general education offerings.

A native of Portland, Ind., Bond earned a bachelor's degree in speech and theatre arts from Kalamazoo College, a master's degree in speech from Ball State University and a doctorate in curriculum and instruction from Indiana State University.

Prior to joining Indiana State, he held several positions at Vincennes University from 1977 to 1998, including professor of speech, director of personnel, dean of extended instructional services and assistant vice president of extended instructional services.