Committee still seeks new SAS, College deans

Interim School of Arts and Sciences Dean Walter Wales and College of Arts and Sciences Dean Robert Rescorla have pledged to serve beyond their terms -- ending officially July 1 -- until their successors are appointed. Originally the SAS search committee had aimed to secure a new dean by July, but according to Sociology Chairperson Douglas Massey, a member of the committee, University President Judith Rodin might not approve a replacement for Wales until September. And because the SAS dean is typically responsible for selecting a new College dean, that appointment has also been delayed. Massey said the timing of former SAS Dean Rosemary Stevens' surprise resignation last September put the search committee at a disadvantage. "Our dean resigned after Labor Day without forewarning," he explained. "Other schools had their search committees set up in September, while Penn began searching in December." Additionally, while Rodin had hoped to establish a search committee by the end of September, the process was delayed because the University Council's Committee on Committees, which chooses the members of other University committees, had not yet elected its members when Stevens resigned. Massey said the committee is currently in the process of finalizing a list of about half a dozen candidates for Rodin to examine. Wales, a Physics professor, and Rescorla, a Psychology professor, both said they are eager to return to teaching and research. "I felt it was my responsibility to [serve as interim dean] when I was asked, but I will certainly not be unhappy to see it end," Wales said. Although he plans to teach two classes in the fall, Wales -- who is serving his second appointment as interim dean -- said he realizes "someone has to answer the phone" in the dean's office. "I hope I would not be asked again," he added. Rescorla, who taught a course this semester, said he looks forward to plunging back into his teaching full force, although he would be willing to stay on until November or December if necessary. "Events don't always turn out the way you like," he said. Despite the delays, Massey said the candidates for SAS dean are "ideal." "Penn has a great reputation as an institution and has competitive advantages" over other schools, he said. The committee has considered professors from both inside and outside of the University. "[I am] looking for someone to forcefully represent the school's interest to the provost and president and deans," Massey said. Fundraising ability is also an important criterion for the job, given SAS's current budget deficit and low endowment. "I think it's clear that the Development Office would be greatly aided by stability in the dean's office," Wales said. With Stevens' short tenure -- she served only five years -- matched by several of her predecessors, the selection committee has been trying to gauge candidate's commitment to the job. "Clearly we want a dean who will be around for a full term," Massey said. "But no one can predict the future."

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