Office of the Dean

Dr. Martha J. Kurtz received her Ph.D. from Arizona State University, her MS degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and her BS degree from Northern Arizona University. She was the Laboratory Coordinator for General Chemistry at Arizona State University prior to coming to Central Washington University as a faculty member in chemistry and science education. In her tenure at CWU she has served as Chemistry Department Chair and Science Education Program Director. Her research interests include critical thinking skill assessment, environment-based integrated inquiry, and academic service-learning.

Dr. Kirk Johnson received his Ph.D. and M.A. from Washington State University and his B.A. from University of Washington. He was chair of Central Washington University's department of Sociology from Fall 1997 through Spring 2007. He began part-time service as Associate Dean in Summer 2006. As of Fall 2007, Dr. Johnson will devote himself entirely to administration in the position of Associate Dean. Dr. Johnson's research has focused on the testing and extension of social control theory, the social construction of deviance among adolescents, criminal victimization, and the social construction of law and criminal sanctions.

Gina Benesh received her M.A. from Portland State University and her B.A. from University of Oregon. From 1992 - 98 she taught English as a Second Language in the United Arab Emirates and Korea. Mrs. Benesh moved into the field of Development and brings eight years of experience to Central Washington University's development efforts.

Bonnie Clement has served as Department Secretary/Receptionist for the College of the Sciences for 14 years. She retires November 30, 2007 to pursue a second career of art and writing.