Administration: Meet the Dean
Angle's Update
A weekly report from Dean & Director J. Scott Angle
November 14, 2006
Associate Dean's Searches - The search for the associate dean's positions is just getting underway. I have asked Dan Cunningham in the Department of Poultry Science to lead the extension search. Ronald Walcott, Plant Pathology, will lead the search for the research position. Leading a search of this level requires a tremendous amount of time and we all need to thank Ron and Dan for the efforts they are making on behalf of the entire college.
The Associate Dean positions are two very good positions and as such I anticipate high interest in each. However, it is also true that the individuals we may want to hire are probably happy in their current position and may not even be looking to move. As such, I am asking each of you that if you know of someone you think would make an excellent associate dean, please contact them directly and urge them to apply. The closing date for the Associate Dean for Research is December 15th. The Associate Dean for Extension position will close February 1st. The job postings can be found on the college web page.
I have asked that as an initial task, the search committee reduce the number of candidates to a reasonable group. Depending upon the number of candidates in the initial group, we may, or may not, conduct "airport" interviews to reduce the number even further. Ultimately, I hope to bring in about three candidates for a full interview, although this number is not set in stone. Again, this depends on the qualifications of the candidates and the decisions of the review committees.
The full interviews will be large and complex. There are many interested groups and individuals these candidates will be expected to meet. While we will do our best to assure that everyone has at least one opportunity to meet with the candidates, we also have to keep the interviews to a reasonable time period; my guess is 2.5 to 3.0 full days.
Leadership Changes in AAE - For those of you who may not have heard, Freddie White has announced that he will be stepping down as Department Head as of December 1, 2006. Dr. White has served the department with distinction for 9 years. Please help me congratulate Dr. White for his service to the college. A "fitting" party will be held November 30th at Flinchum's Phoenix. Please RSVP to Jo Anne Norris at 706-542-2481.
I have asked faculty and staff in AAE to send me names for an interim
head. Just about everyone in the department has taken me up on my offer.
I will be reviewing the suggestions and talking to the associate deans
later this week. The interim head should be announced next week.
Congressional Elections - Last week's changes in the Senate and House present some interesting issues for the college. It remains unclear how the election will affect the college. We are actively working with our advisors in Washington, DC to get a better sense of the changes and the impact on the college. Regardless of how we are impacted, the changes only highlight the need to better tell our story of the tremendous impact we have on agriculture, the environment and the state.
Note: For news about your fellow faculty and staff, visit the College Newsletter.