ROSA HARRISON | TIMES STAFFThe new dean of Humanities and Social Sciences is a man whose nomadic childhood, living in four different places, exposed him to a variety of excellent teachers. This medley of experiences instilled in
Sean J. Abel an early passion for education.
Abel was hired on Feb. 28 as SJCC’s new dean of Humanities and Social Science to replace retired dean Patrick Gerster who retired in June 2012.
Education is a core value that his family instilled in him.
“Abel has received a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from the University of Kansas and a Master of Art in Education with an emphasis in educational curriculum from Lindenwood University,” said Tammeil Y. Gilkerson, interim vice president of academic affairs.
Humanities includes art, dance, drama, music, philosophy and photography.
Social science includes administration of justice, alcohol and drug studies, economics, child development, family and consumer studies, history, labor studies, psychology and teach for tomorrow.
“I knew historical knowledge about the college before applying for the job. SJCC has been around since 1920,”Abel said.
He said he plans on improving SJCC by learning more about the campus and putting SJCC in regular processes, such as simplifying things to make them regular and consistent.
“He comes with strong recommendations from his colleagues, and we are fortunate to have his extensive experience and enthusiasm,” Gilkerson said.
The Humanities and Social Sciences division has diverse programs and a dean to represent people’s interests to the administration and to help with program reviews.
“He schedules classes, handles budgets, reports to the vice presidents and so on,” said Deanna Herrera, senior division administrative assistant.
Abel said his purpose in life and for this campus is to do his job and whatever task is at hand to enhance students and faculty curriculum and majors.
After Gerster, came Jesus Covarrubias as an interim dean of Humanities and Social Sciences. Language Arts Dean Keiko Kimura also served as the interim dean before Abel.
Abel said he is proud of the progress he has had with his education while working full time.
As a child he said he wanted to be a doctor when he grew up, but now he is working on his doctorate in musical arts.
He said other than appearance, one of the first things that people notice about him is that he is friendly and has a laid back demeanor.
He said three of his best life skills are work ethics, a sense of humor and being independent. He said he is thankful for are his education, the fact that both of his parents support education in their own way, they were both college-educated and good health.
Abel typically spends his leisure time working on finishing his doctorate in music education and tinkering on his 1973 Porsche 9-14.
His office is located in the Fine Arts Center (A-108A), and his office hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“I pick up new things from everyone I meet,” Abel said. “I try to learn from people throughout my life.”
