Dr. Bradley Bielski, dean and chief administrative officer for Kent State University at Tuscarawas (Submitted)

New Philadelphia, Ohio - Kent State University at Tuscarawas’ dean and chief administrative officer will continue to lead the campus.

Dr. Bradley Bielski was recently reappointed to serve another five-year term beginning July 1st. His reappointment follows a rigorous review conducted by a committee of Kent State and regional campus administrators and faculty.

Bielski's tenure has been highlighted by numerous significant accomplishments including an increase in the number of athletic teams to 11, the building of a new gateway to campus and the development of new community partnerships and academic programs. 

Of those accomplishments, Bielski says he's most passionate about the increase in student engagement. 

“Overall, student engagement has increased through a number of academic programs, creative opportunities in the library and Makerspace, and co-curriculars, including band, choir and athletics,” he says. “We are making a difference in the lives of our students, resulting in increased and positive visibility for the campus.”

Enrollment has also been increasing steadily over the past three years and is currently up to nearly 2,200 students. Bielski says this trend is expected to continue, fueling the need for future campus-style housing and student amenities.

“We are attracting students from all over the country, including Florida, Georgia, California and New York,” said Dr. Bielski. “We need to find a better way to serve their needs.”

Besides being very student-focused, Dr. Bielski is also dedicated to community engagement. He serves as the chair or as a member of several boards of directors, including the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation, United Way of Tuscarawas and the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce.

He says what he enjoys most about Tuscarawas County is the people.

“Not only on campus, but the community and surrounding areas. I couldn’t ask for better friends, colleagues and a better working environment,” he says.

Bielski resides in Dover with his wife, Dawn, and their four children – Hannah, a 2018 Kent State graduate and current Loyola University student; Elise, a fashion design student at Kent State; Jeff, a current Kent State Tuscarawas College Credit Plus and Dover High School student; and Sophie, who attends Dover Middle School.

Prior to his appointment at Kent State Tuscarawas five years ago, Dr. Bielski served for 10 years as the Vice-President for Academic Affairs at Thomas More College in Crestview Hills, Kentucky. He earned his Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry with a minor in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Cincinnati. His areas of specialty included statistical mechanics, quantum chemistry and analytical spectroscopy.

KENT STATE UNIVERSITY AT TUSCARAWAS