An internal search committee has been assembled to select a new Graduate School dean following the resignation of former dean David Constant.      
The 10-person committee, which is headed by Associate Dean of the Manship School of Mass Communication Amy Reynolds, includes a variety of administration and faculty from a number of University colleges such as Biological Sciences, Renewable Natural Resources and Education.
The committee was created at the beginning of the month, with its first meeting on Oct. 5 to approve an advertisement for the position. By Oct. 10, the search process was under way and the advertisement was posted on the Graduate School web site.
The committee aims to select a well-rounded candidate from the pool of educators on campus. According to the advertisement, the required qualifications include a tenured professor with a record of scholastic research performance, advanced communication skills and administrative experience in an secondary academic institution.
“We are looking for someone who can move the Graduate School forward — not just procedurally, but technically,” Reynolds said. “It is critically important that the candidate is a proven leader who can usher in changes and digitally streamline the school.”
The University is one of only 21 universities in the U.S. that has land-grant, sea-grant and space-grant eminence, and the Graduate
School seeks to further the capabilities of the 115 programs that are present, according to the school’s web site. The new dean will take on the goals of the Flagship 2020 mission and increase recruitment, diversity, admissions, retention and student development.      
Applicants can be nominated but are required to apply. The deadline is set for Oct. 21, but those who qualify can apply until a candidate is chosen. The position has a 12-month term.
“Filling the spot before Thanksgiving is a top priority,” Reynolds said. “The person selected would most likely start in January, but that is up to the applicant and the provost.”
Reynolds encourages anyone who qualifies to apply.
“We are happy to talk to people,” she said.
The committee will meet Oct. 31 to review applications.
 
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Contact Trey Nwankwo at [email protected]