On Aug. 24, Interim Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Susan Awbrey announced that Tamara Jhashi has been named the acting dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

“It was a difficult decision given that a number of very talented individuals applied for the position,” Awbrey said in an email sent to the CAS. “I am pleased to announce that Dr. Tamara Jhashi has been selected as acting dean of the College.”

According to the Oakland University website, Jhashi received her doctorate from Indiana University and began her career at OU in 1997.

She has since worked several roles including associate professor of art history and four years as associate provost, according to OU’s website.

“Dr. Jhashi brings numerous strengths to the position,” Awbrey said. “She has excellent administrative experience as associate provost.”

Jhashi also has experience with the types of responsibilities required of a dean, and is a strong advocate for the CAS, according to Awbrey.

“Dr. Jhashi has excellent communication skills and is dedicated to working with the chairs to bring the college (CAS) together during this transition period,” Awbrey said.

According to Awbrey, Jhashi has worked across disciplines within the CAS and throughout the university, and she has a keen understanding of liberal arts and sciences.

After announcing his retirement, former CAS Dean Ron Sudol stepped down from the position Aug. 14.

Sudol had worked as dean for seven years and began his career at OU in 1977.

According to Awbrey, there was an internal search to find an acting dean, and a review committee consisting of the Executive Committee of the Assembly and one additional faculty appointee was put together to help with the selection process.

“Faculty members within the school or college are asked to nominate candidates or apply for the position,” Awbrey said. “The Office of Academic Human Resources handles the application process. The Office of Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives reviews the advertisement and candidate pools.”

She said the review committee helped determine criteria for the interim or acting dean position, evaluated applicant materials, reviewed the candidates and met with her to discuss the candidates and provide their hiring recommendations.

Robert Stewart, associate dean of the CAS, said the final decision as to who will fill this position was to be determined by both Awbrey and OU President Gary Russi.

A national search to find a permanent dean for the CAS will begin in the fall semester, according to Awbrey.

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Contact Assistant Campus Editor  Natalie Popovski via email at [email protected]