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Dr. Kenneth S. Hawkinson
began his tenure as the 12th president of
Kutztown University on July 1, 2015.
Since his arrival at KU, Hawkinson has established 53 initiatives for the
institution, focusing on nine areas such as academic excellence, enroll-
ment management and student success, and expanding educational
opportunity and access. He also has overseen the implementation of
KU’s first action plan, highlighted by the identification of the university’s
Programs of Distinction. Hawkinson’s community outreach efforts have
included the establishment of “Walks with Wynnie,” weekly campus
walks featuring the Hawkinsons’ family dog, and a new performing arts
society.
Before coming to KU, Hawkinson was provost at Western Illinois
University from 2012-15, where he was responsible for areas including
university planning, fiscal and enrollment management, curriculum and
contract negotiations.
Prior to assuming his position as provost, Hawkinson served Western
Illinois for four years as associate provost and associate vice president for
budget, planning and personnel, where he oversaw all aspects of aca-
demic affairs, including contract administration, summer session and
curriculum. Previously, he was associate dean of the College of Fine Arts
and Communication and chair of the Department of Communication.
Hawkinson began his academic career at Western Illinois as an assistant
professor of communication, and later was promoted to associate, then
full professor. He also was an adjunct professor in African American
Studies and an instructor in the Honors Program. During his time on
the faculty, he served as leader of both the Faculty Senate and the faculty
union. He has published numerous articles and dozens of professional
papers. His research interests and creative pursuits include storytelling,
oral tradition and performance of literature.
Hawkinson earned his bachelor’s degree in history from Western Illinois.
He also has a Master of Arts in speech communication from the institu-
tion and holds a doctorate in speech communication/performance stud-
ies from Southern Illinois University. He was a Fulbright Scholar from
1990-91, during which he taught American studies at the University of
Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, West Africa, and conducted research in
African folklore and oral tradition.
Hawkinson was in the U.S. Army for three years. After serving in the
Illinois National Guard as a field artillery officer and executive officer
for a field artillery battery, he joined the Army as an infantry officer. He
served in Germany as a platoon leader and a weapons platoon leader,
and as a public affairs officer. He also served for two years as a volunteer
in the Peace Corps in Mali, West Africa.
A native of Carpentersville, Ill., Hawkinson is married to the former
Ann Marie Hayes. His son, Jivan Deglise-Favre-Hawkinson, recently
completed his doctoral studies in engineering at the University of
Michigan.
President Hawkinson