Academic leader and researcher named dean of Kennesaw State College of Science and Mathematics

Kennesaw, Georgia | February 16, 2024

Kennesaw State University has appointed renowned researcher and physiologist Heather Koopman as dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, effective July 1.

Mr. Koopman comes to KSU with more than 25 years of experience in academia and was appointed dean after a national search. Koopman currently serves as chair of the Department of Biology and Marine Biology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

“Dr. Koopman is a highly respected and nationally known educator and scholar who shares KSU’s commitment to excellence as a student-centered, research-driven university.” Kennesaw State President Kathy Schweig said. “Her leadership in the School of Science and Mathematics will enhance the educational experiences and research opportunities for our students and faculty.”

In addition to his extensive classroom expertise and field research experience, Koopman serves on the board of the Marine Mammal Society and is senior biologist and director of the Grand Manan Whale and Seabird Research Station. She has taught biology and marine biology courses at UNC Wilmington since 2004, where she was promoted to dean in 2017.

Koopman’s research focuses on the role and importance of marine lipids and how these molecules fit into the function and evolution of various marine organisms. Her lab combines a variety of methods to examine the health, metabolism, adaptation, and systematics of marine animals.

“Dr. Koopman will help raise the national profile of the College of Science and Mathematics with a focus on teaching and research excellence,” said Ivan Prinkala, KSU provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Her innovative approach to scientific inquiry and dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration are rooted in her body of scholarship.”

Koopman has published more than 50 papers in academic journals and has lectured and presented at various seminars and conferences. Throughout her career, Koopman has secured more than $2 million in science funding for projects related to wildlife and the environment.

“I am very excited to join Kennesaw State University and become a part of its strong leadership team,” Koopman said. “The Faculty of Science and Mathematics has a foundation of dedication to teaching and mentoring, high-quality research, and community engagement, and we are committed to how we can strengthen these strengths to achieve and exceed the university’s potential.” I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do.”

Koopman earned a bachelor’s degree in marine biology and a master’s degree in zoology from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. She completed her PhD in Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies. She received her bachelor’s degree from Duke University and completed an American Council on Education (ACE) Fellowship in 2022-2023.

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to more than 43,000 students. Kennesaw State University is a member of the University System of Georgia, which has 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong international connections, and entrepreneurial spirit attracts students from across the country and around the world. Kennesaw State University is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), one of an elite group of only 7% of U.S. universities with her R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.