In the summer of 2012, Dr. Oliver Walter, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences announced his retirement, after holding the position for 24 years.
Since the announcement, the search for the new dean has been under way and the committee hopes to make an announcement before the end of February. Interviews of the final three candidates are taking place now.
“During the time I have been dean, 90 percent of the current faculty have been hired. Our current faculty are both more research active and more proficient teachers than when I became dean,” Walter said.
“During my tenure the following units were established, American Indian Studies, Chicano Studies, African American Studies, Religious Studies and Criminal Justice. We have also added a Ph.D. in Anthropology.”
The final candidates for A&S Dean come from diverse educational ranging from neuroscience to English to environmental science and engineering and possess strong qualifications for the job.
The first interview and public session with Dr. Paula M. Lutz, took place in January.
Lutz is a professor of cell biology and neuroscience at Montana State University, currently serves as dean of arts and sciences at MSU-Rolla, and is researching the effects of lead on the immune systems of children. During her teaching career, Lutz was awarded with more than a dozen faculty excellence and outstanding teaching awards.
On Tuesday, the second candidate, Dr. Phillip Cohen entertained a public session. Cohen is a professor of English and the vice provost of Academic Affairs at the University of Texas-Arlington. He is currently serving as dean of the graduate school there. Cohen has been published widely and his scholarly work has been supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
Finally, Dr. Christopher P. Cirmo, Dean of the College of Letters and Science at the University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point, will hold a public session at 3:30 p.m., Feb. 5 in the Berry Center for Biodiversity auditorium. Cirmo received his Ph.D. from Syracuse University in Environmental Science and Engineering. He has also served as program director at the National Science Foundation in the Hydrologic Science program and, while at the State University of New York, served as the chairperson of Geological Sciences.
Due to interviews still being underway, no comment could be made on any of the candidates but Walter acknowledges that the new candidates will have challenges to face.
“I think that the greatest challenge for the new Dean will be to help the University convince the Legislature that our current faculty is worth keeping by providing salary increases after four years without increases. Funding for higher education is ramping up in other states and other universities will begin picking out best faculty off,” Walter said.
