22 | INNOVISION MAGAZINE Dr. Jeffrey Wehrung, Kutztown University’s new Associate Dean for the College of Business, was sitting at a small round table in his office just finishing up lunch as I entered. He looks up carefully as I make my formal introduction and then breaks into a big smile. “Come in, have a seat,” he says as he stands gesturing to take the opposite seat at the table. A window at the far end of the office pours in the late morning sun competing with Wehrung’s welcoming smile. Originally from Bucks County, PA, Wehrung has been living in South Dakota with his family for the past ten years, which extended far longer than the three to five years he originally told his wife. While there, Wehrung worked at Black Hills State University as a Professor of Business and took on various administration responsibilities advancing to serve as Chair and then Special Assistant to the Provost. “I miss interacting with the students,” Wehrung said as he explained that this is the first time he's taken a full-time administrative position. “I’ve always taught at least one class so it’s hard not having that regular connection to the students.” Regardless, Wehrung makes efforts to be available to students and faculty as much as possible. He is passionate about connecting current students with alumni, whether through mentoring programs or other activities involving the greater Kutztown Community. In his previous role, Wehrung focused on raising awareness and gaining media attention for student projects and hopes to do so similarly at Kutztown. This recognition not only helps students enhance their resume; it also improves retention while obtaining good publicity for the school.“Let’s make it easy for faculty to bring in alumni as guests,” Wehrung said enthusiastically. “If an alumni can come to class to talk on a particular topic, then we not only help connect students, but we also connect alumni that have since graduated.” Examples of the guests Wehrung has brought into his class at Black Hills were the governor of South Dakota, Kristi Noem to discuss federal tax policies, and an entrepreneur who described himself as a ‘C’ average student, but who now makes millions through franchising. “Every CEO was sitting in a classroom like yours at one point in time,” Wehrung conveyed. “These guests narrow the perceived gap between the students and these high level executives.” One of Wehrung’s main focuses is to reach out to students that are struggling in their classes and don’t know where to turn for help. “There is a reason why only 60 percent of all students finish college and that’s because it gets hard, and I don’t want students to feel that their struggle is unique to them,” he expressed. “It’s amazing how sitting down with a student, even just fifteen minutes, can calm and help them to realize that they’re not going to fail.” Wehrung uses an automated link that any student can go to and sign up for a time to meet. He emphasizes that he is always available to students and will connect them to the resources they need to be successful. WELCOMING Dr. Jeff Wehrung and his family.
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