Carmen M Bain

Carmen M. Bain

Position
  • Associate Dean, Academic Innovation
  • Executive Director, ISU Agricultural Endowment
  • Professor, Sociology and Criminal Justice
Bain has served as Assoc Dean since 2020. She is also a professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice. A native of New Zealand, and first-generation college student, Bain completed her sociology BA and MA from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, and her PhD from Michigan State University. Bain's teaching and research interests include the sociology of agriculture, food systems and the environment; gender and international development; and the social dimensions of agricultural biotechnologies. She has lived and/or worked in Brazil, Chile, Ghana, Italy, the EU, New Zealand, Uganda, and the U.S.

As Assoc Dean, Bain is responsible for leading the college’s work related to undergraduate programs and policies, curriculum development, learning outcomes and assessment, external program reviews, and high impact practices, including undergraduate research and internships. She works closely with our Study Abroad office.

Bain supports teaching faculty, staff and student efforts to expand the culture and practice of innovation that enhance the student experience and student success. She co-leads the CALS Innovation and Entrepreneurship Faculty Fellows, Directs the undergraduate Pathways to Innovation and Leadership program, the Dean’s Global Agriculture and Food Leadership program, and leads our work related to the Student Innovation Center, including managing the CALS Collaborative Learning Labs 4227 and 4229 in the SICTR.

Contact

Contact Info

20A Curtiss Hall
510 Farm House Ln.
Ames
,
IA
50011-1054
Social Media and Websites

Education

  • Ph.D., Sociology, Michigan State University, 2007
  • M.A., Sociology, University of Canterbury, New Zealand, 2001
  • B.A., Sociology and Geography, University of Canterbury, New Zealand, 2000

About the Office of Academic Innovation and Student Success

We support CALS departments, faculty, staff and students advance our efforts as a student-centered college. The Office for Academic Innovation and Student Success coordinates and provides leadership and oversight for activities related to student success. We provide an integrated approach to student success that includes recruitment, retention, academic advising, undergraduate and graduate student services, scholarships and awards, career services, academic programs, and innovation and high-impact programing. 

Key Personnel in the Office of Academic Innovation and Student Success: