Colorado State University - Pueblo hires Kartchner as new Spanish program director

Pueblo- Dr. Eric J. Kartchner has been hired as associate professor and coordinator of the Spanish program at Colorado State University-Pueblo as part of a detailed plan approved in March by the Colorado State University System Board of Governors to strengthen the University’s Spanish program and related disciplines.
 
According to Provost Barbara Montgomery, Kartchner will lead the faculty in the development of new conversational Spanish courses, the redesign of the Spanish teacher education emphasis, the formation of closer working relationships with Spanish teachers in Pueblo School Districts 60 and 70, and the creation of special courses linked to speaking Spanish in specific professions (e.g., nursing, business, teaching, social work).
 
Kartchner has considerable experience with successful programs that prepare students to be Spanish teachers. He also has extensive, formal training and expertise in evaluating students’ oral proficiency in the use of Spanish and designing and delivering educational programs that improve students’ abilities to speak, read, write, and listen to Spanish in social and business settings.
 
Montgomery said the responses of former students weighed heavily in the decision to hire Kartchner. Students described Kartchner as “inspiring, enthusiastic, knowledgable, and the most creative and energetic instructor I have ever had.” One student said Kartchner “raised the bar of who I want to be in 10 years.” Another told of a group of students who met regularly at 8 a.m. to prepare for Kartchner’s 9 a.m. because “we did not want to come to class halfway prepared.” Montgomery noted that Kartchner is “the kind of faculty member our students deserve – one who expects much but who also inspires students to meet those expectations.”
 
Kartchner earned his Ph.D. from Indiana University (IU) in 1998, with emphases in Hispanic Literature, Hispanic Linguistics, and Comparative Literature. He also earned a master’s degree from the University of Nevada-Reno and a bachelor’s degree from Weber State.
Before accepting the CSU-Pueblo post, Kartchner was a faculty member at Southern Methodist University. He also has taught at the University of North Texas, Brigham Young University, and IU.
 
 
Colorado State University - Pueblo is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, CSU-Pueblo is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.