With nearly a month elapsed since the College of Arts and Sciences announced its dean’s impending departure, an e-mail broadcast to the Arts and Sciences faculty and staff announced a temporary replacement has been named.Gaines Foster, chair of the Department of History, will serve as interim dean of the college beginning July 1 until a permanent dean can be found.The search began after Guillermo Ferreyra, mathematics professor, left amid the transfer of the math department from Arts and Sciences to the College of Basic Sciences in March.”[Foster’s] willingness to serve is especially appreciated, as the University may confront a serious fiscal predicament precisely at a time when the College, under the leadership of Dean Guillermo Ferreyra, has attained increasing distinction across many of its departments and programs,” Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Astrid Merget said in the e-mail. “The College is also likely to command a significant role in the realignment of academic units that should solidify and clarify the college’s particularly important role in the University.”Stacia Haynie, vice provost for Academic Affairs, said in a March 16 e-mail to The Daily Reveille an interim dean is typically appointed while a national search is conducted for a new dean. In a broadcast e-mail sent March 6 to the Arts and Sciences faculty and staff, Ferreyra said he intends to continue work as a math professor.”After five and a half years of serving as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, I will be returning to my position of professor of mathematics to carry out research, teaching, service and outreach,” Ferreyra said in the e-mail. “I thank the faculty, the staff and the students of the College for allowing me to lead the College and for contributing to excellence with everything they have done.”Merget wrapped up her e-mail requesting the faculty and staff show support for Foster.”We are all grateful to Professor Foster for his willingness to serve,” Merget said. “I know his exceptional leadership will help the College continue to excel. Join me in wishing him well and supporting his new role.”–Contact Lindsey Meaux at [email protected]