After an extensive national search, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Robert Prezant has announced that Dr. Bruce Kalk will now officially take the role of dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Kalk has served as interim dean of the College since fall 2017. Prior to his role as interim dean, he served as associate dean of Arts and Sciences and a professor in the University’s History Department.
The search was highly competitive and attracted outstanding candidates, Prezant says, “but there was wide consensus among the many evaluative groups that Bruce was the individual who could best use his insight, attention to detail, and forward thinking to continue to move the College forward. His understanding of and experiences in CAS and his dedication to Southern in concert with his creativity and academic grounding gives him a strong advantage in advancing the College.”
Looking forward, Prezant added, Kalk will continue to help insure an outstanding learning environment for Southern’s students, new outlets and opportunities for faculty and staff, and deepening links to external entities.
Prezant added his thanks for the efforts of the Dean of Arts and Sciences Search Committee: Winnie Yu (Computer Science), Siobhan Carter-David (Women and Gender Studies), Jeffrey Webb (Chemistry), Jim Thorson (Economics and Finance), Barbara Cook (Communication Disorders), Wendy Hardenberg (Research Librarian), Kristine Anthis (Psychology) Elena Schmitt (World Language), Chelsey Cerrato (student), and Cynthia Patterson (Registrar’s Office), and especially Margaret Generali (Counseling/School Psychology) for her service as Committee Chair. Prezant also recognized Norma Valentin and Linda Robinson for their excellent attention to details in the coordination of the search.
