Oakland University President Gary Russi announced March 22 that Tamara Jhashi, the current interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, has been invited to join the American Council on Education Fellowship Class of 2013-14.

“I’m very pleased and I really wasn’t expecting to get this,” Jhashi said.  “It’s a very welcome opportunity for me.”

Russi emailed faculty and staff stating that the program prepares leaders to move universities “boldly into the future.”

“Tamara’s fellowship will include a thorough study of higher education and a placement at another institution for an entire academic year,” Russi wrote. “The purpose of the placement is to learn the various components of a senior leadership team, as well as study the complex role of academic administration in the institutional matrix.”

Jhashi said she is excited and eager to have the luxury of devoting time to this study, and feels it will be an extraordinary experience.

One of Jhashi’s goals is to study the role and value of liberal arts in the higher education environment, and learn how to strengthen the arts and sciences at institutions like OU, according to Russi.

“I know that she will represent Oakland University with pride and honor,” Russi wrote.

She said she couldn’t be more grateful or thankful to Russi, who nominated her and her supporters.

The fellowship

The American Council on Education represents the presidents of U.S. accredited, degree-granting institutions, which include two- and four-year colleges, private and public universities, and nonprofit and for-profit entities, according to the council’s website.

The council is comprised of 1,800 member institutions.

“We (the American Council on Education) convene representatives from all sectors to collectively tackle the toughest higher education challenges, with a focus on improving access and preparing every student to succeed,” the council’s website reads.

Jhashi said she does not know when or where she will spend her fellowship, and that it is an ongoing process to find what interests and goals match the insitution.

Jhashi’s timeline

Jhashi was named interim dean of the CAS Aug. 24, 2012 after it was announced that Ron Sudol would step down from his position as dean. He served as dean for seven years and began his career at OU in 1977.

Jhashi began her career at Oakland as an associate professor of art history in 1997 and has also served as associate provost.