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UVA NAMES INTERIM DEAN-THE DAILY PROGRESS, JULY 4, 2007

Posted: Wednesday July 4, 2007

Uva Names Interim Dean

By Lindsey Wagner / lwagner@dailyprogress.com | 978-7267
July 4, 2007

After a seven-month search for the new dean of the University of Virginia’s College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences proved fruitless, Associate Dean Karen Ryan was named the stand-in for the interim period Tuesday.

“It’s really crucial that the College doesn’t lose momentum this year,” said Ryan, referring to the progress it has made in faculty development, science and arts initiatives and the Lawn expansion project.

Although the College will not neglect the humanities and social sciences, Ryan said needed attention will be given to performing and fine arts as well as the sciences.

Humanities “need classrooms and chalk,” Ryan said. “Scientists need labs and artists need facilities. That’s why you’ll see the focus on those in the capital campaign.”

Edward Ayers, the College’s former dean, left to serve as president of the University of Richmond.

Ryan comes to the job from her post as an associate dean for the arts, humanities and social sciences. She joined UVa in 1989 as an associate professor of Slavic language and literature and became a full professor in 2002.

Ryan graduated with a bachelor’s from Cornell University and also holds a master’s and doctorate from the University of Michigan.

University Provost Arthur Garson Jr. said Ryan’s background in the humanities will be valuable as they and Peter Brunjes, associate dean for the sciences, work to improve the sciences while ensuring UVa’s liberal arts program continues to flourish.

“She has such a depth and breadth of knowledge of the liberal arts and social sciences,” Garson said.

Another objective important to Ryan is diversifying both the faculty and students of the College.

A new search for the permanent dean will begin soon. The last came up empty-handed even though four candidates were interviewed in April.

“The [search] process was thorough and complete, and we didn’t reach the conclusion that we were able to name someone,” UVa spokesman Jeff Hanna said.

As for Ryan’s intentions, she said she is content to help out while needed.

“I’m an interim dean,” Ryan said. “I’m very keenly interested in [the search committee] finding a great person for the position on a permanent basis.”

Ryan’s relationship with the College has grown over the six years she spent as an associate dean.

“I’m deeply devoted to the College,” Ryan said. “It’s home.”