In 2003, Rita C. Kean was named the first Dean of Undergraduate Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The Dean of Undergraduate Studies is responsible for all academic initiatives and programs outside the academic colleges including Enrollment Management, University-wide Assessment of student learning outcomes, the NU Honors Program, Undergraduate Research and Fellowships, the Division of General Studies and Office of Academic Support and Intercultural Services. The university Coordinators for Transfer Students and Course Articulation, Academic Learning & Scholars Communities and the EN Thompson Forum on World Issues report to the Dean of Undergraduate Studies. The Dean also oversees the ACE General Education Program and the University Curriculum Committee.

Kean is Professor of Textiles, Clothing and Design. She has been at the University of Nebraska since 1980. As a faculty member in the Department of Textiles, Clothing and Design, Kean was recipient of the college Distinguished Teaching Award and the award for Outstanding Faculty Scholarship. Kean held a research appointment with the Agricultural Research Division, NU Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Kean's research and outreach programs focused on the viability of home-based businesses and retail businesses in rural areas. Kean has authored/co-authored over 35 peer-reviewed publications and presented/ co-presented over 75 peer-reviewed/invited papers at national and international conferences.

From 1992-2001, Kean served as Chair of the Department of Textiles, Clothing and Design, and in 2000, served as Interim Dean of the College of Human Resources and Family Sciences (now, College of Education and Human Sciences). From July 2000 to May 2002, Kean served as Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. During 1997-98, Kean was an American Council on Education (ACE) Fellow at the University of Kansas. In 1999, she was named Fellow of the International Textiles and Apparel Association, the professional association for persons in the field of textiles and apparel. Kean continues to teach merchandising courses in the Textiles, Clothing and Design department. Before joining UNL in 1980, Kean was a retail buyer for Hovland-Swanson in Nebraska and a member of the Executive Training Squad at B. Altman and Co., NYC.

• Office: 201 Seaton Hall (0683)
• Phone: (402) 472-1185
• Fax: (402) 472-1910
• Email: rkean1@unl.edu