Search begins for new dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences
Virginia Tech has begun a national/international search for a new dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, a position that has been held by Dean Jerry Niles since the college’s inception in 2003.
Virginia Tech has begun a national/international search for a new dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, a position that has been held by Dean Jerry Niles since the college’s inception in 2003.
“Jerry has been instrumental in fostering a climate for growth and collaboration in the college, and the college is an important contributor to our updated strategic plan and is well positioned for the future,” said Mark McNamee, university provost and vice president for academic affairs, who chairs the search committee. “Jerry graciously agreed to delay his planned retirement by a year and has stayed in the position an extra year to help pave the way for a search this year. Jerry is providing outstanding leadership for the college and he will be sorely missed.”
The search committee held its first meeting on Sept. 21 to review the search process, develop the position announcement, outline qualifications, and set a timetable for its work.
In addition to McNamee, 20-member search committee includes:
==> Lori Berry CPS, administrative assistant, School of Education;
==> Jackie Bixler, Alumni Distinguished Professor, Foreign Languages and Literatures;
==> Rosemary Blieszner, Alumni Distinguished Professor, Human Development;
==> Brian Britt, professor and director, Religious Studies Program;
==> Vernon Burnsed, professor, Music;
==> Lay Nam Chang, professor and dean, College of Science;
==> Gary Downey, professor, Science and Technology in Society;
==> Brian Epstein, assistant professor, Philosophy;
==> Nikki Giovanni, University Distinguished Professor, English;
==> Rosemary Goss, professor, Apparel, Housing, and Resource Management;
==> Terry Kershaw, associate professor and chair, Africana Studies;
==> Rosary Lalik, associate professor, Teaching and Learning, School of Education;
==> Barbara Lockee, associate professor, Instructional Design and Technology, School of Education;
==> Tim Luke, University Distinguished Professor, Political Science, and chair of the Government and International Affairs Program, College of Architecture and Urban Studies;
==> Patty Raun, associate professor and department head, Theatre Arts, and interim co-director of the School of the Arts;
==> Sam Riley, professor, Communication, and chair of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Faculty Council;
==> Kusum Singh, professor, Educational Leadership and Policy Studies, School of Education;
==> Bill Snizek, Alumni Distinguished Professor, Sociology and associate dean for research, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences;
==> Dan Thorp, associate professor and department head, History; and
==> Justo Ulloa, professor, Foreign Languages and Literatures.
McNamee asks that all members of the university community—faculty, staff, students, and alumni—identify outstanding candidates and forward nominations to the committee by contacting him at mmcnamee@vt.edu.
In addition, the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Faculty Council is hosting an open session on Tuesday, Oct. 24 at 4 p.m. in Owens Dining Hall to receive input about the qualities their faculty are seeking in the new dean.
