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Interim dean announced

Posted on Nov 17, 2009 in News

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Dr. Jean Ann Linney, current dean of the School of Social and Behavioral, will become the interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences on Jan. 1, 2010.

Linney has been dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences since fall 2007; she is also a professor of psychology.

“I have received hundreds of e-mails offering support and enthusiasm from across the campus,” said Linney.

Linney will be responsible for managing infrastructure in the new college.

“One of my highest priorities will be to create a process for faculty to propose interdisciplinary initiatives,” said Linney.
Linney believes there are many opportunities for programs and departments to work together, so the departments in the College of Arts and Sciences may have a richer array of courses.

Linney is very optimistic about the realignment.

“We have always been a leader in innovation, and the realignment will help us to continue that tradition,” said Linney.
Communication between students, teachers and advisors is also a priority.

“With all classes being coordinated through one dean there is less opportunity for error,” she said.

Linney also understands that there may be some trepidation among students regarding the realignment. She does not foresee any programs or departments suffering from the realignment and assures students that this will not affect their curriculum or requirements for graduation in any way.

“Students will use the requirements listed in their majors as they were when they enrolled in them,” said Linney.
“I feel having an interim dean is a very wise decision. It will provide familiarity during such a big change,” said Linney.
A national search for a permanent dean will begin in the very near future. The search committee will be headed by Harold Jones, dean of the School of Health Professions. Linney is a potential candidate for the position.

Linney earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hobart and William Smith College in Geneva, N.Y., before earning her master’s degree and doctorate from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Dr. Linney spent 21 years at the University of South Carolina, serving as chair of the department of psychology, associate dean for graduate studies and faculty development for the College of Liberal Arts and director of graduate training in clinical-community psychology. She also has served on the faculty at the University of Virginia and Miami University.

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