Shannon to serve second term as Dean of Graham School of General Studies

“Under his capable leadership, the programs of continuing education offered by the University have been substantially expanded and strengthened,” wrote President Randel in a letter announcing the reappointment.

Daniel Shannon has been reappointed as Dean of the Graham School of General Studies. His second term begins July 1.

“The Graham School has become not only a vital educational resource, but also an invaluable medium for community outreach. In addition, it created a new residential and travel program drawing bright, talented high school students from around the country for summer study in the University’s Summer Quarter, specialized short programs, as well as travel study in Europe. Further, through the Graham School, the University has established important collaborations with the major cultural institutions of Chicago.”

Specifically, Shannon has led the Graham School’s development of nine new multi-course certificate programs. In the past academic year, the Graham School has awarded more than 200 certificates.

“The vitality of the program and the visible profile of the Graham School are evidence of Dan’s pragmatic vision for continuing education and effective leadership. I am confident that his expertise will continue to strengthen and enrich the Graham School and look forward to supporting him in this endeavor,” wrote Randel.

Prior to his appointment at Chicago in 1996, Shannon served as dean of continuing education at both the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and California State University, Dominguez Hills, Carson, Calif., while holding faculty appointments in government and public administration at both universities.

He also served in several administrative roles in continuing education and extension at the University of Washington, Seattle, Wash.

Shannon received a B.A. in Far East & Slavic Studies in 1964; an M.A. in Political Science in 1968; and a Ph.D. in Political Science in 1979, all from the University of Washington.

He is the author of many papers and articles on continuing higher education, including “Planning Methodologies in Continuing Education Practice,” “Revisiting Continuing Education at the Metropolitan University” and “Reinventing Continuing Education at the American Urban University.”

Shannon also has served as editor for several publications, including Continuing Higher Education Review and Metro Connection, a journal of business and higher education.

He served as President of the University Continuing Education Association from 1989 to 1990, was awarded the association’s Julius M. Knolte Award for extraordinary contributions to continuing education in 1997, and continues to play a national leadership role in continuing higher education.