Three key leadership searches launched

Deans of College of Education, Graduate School and director of International Programs sought

by Lesli Groth

The search has been initiated to fill three key administrative positions within the university, and NIU officials hope the openings will attract candidates who understand the importance of universities on a national level. The positions of College of Education dean, vice provost for research and dean of the Graduate School and executive director of the Division of International Programs should be filled by the end of the semester.

Provost Ivan Legg

Jerrold Zar, current Graduate School dean, and Manfred Thullen, current executive director of International Programs, will retire this summer. Former College of Education Dean Alfonzo Thurman relocated to the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee last fall.

"These administrators have contributed greatly to the growth of the university during their years here and we want to capitalize on their achievements, " Legg added.

"It's not often that we have three positions of this magnitude available at the same time," said NIU Provost Ivan Legg. "All three positions are essential to the future of the university. We are looking for leadership that will help develop our national reputation as one of the leading regional universities in the United States. We live in one of the most rapidly-growing economic areas in the country where a high-profile, comprehensive university plays a central role."

The dean of the College of Education provides leadership for the college in the areas of academic programs, collaborative partnerships and outside development. As the chief academic officer of the college, the dean is directly responsible for overseeing all academic, administrative and fiscal operations.

"The search for the College of Education dean is a core issue," Legg said. "It's important to find a dean whose major mission is to prepare teachers for schools in our state and beyond. NIU started as a teacher's college, and although we've expanded to a comprehensive university, the mission of the College of Education remains a key component of the University."

The vice provost for research and dean of the Graduate School serves as the senior academic officer for graduate programming, vigorously promotes faculty research and is responsible for the continued growth of sponsored research, among other initiatives.

Legg noted that this position is "extremely important in advancing the research commitment of our faculty and preparing graduate students with advanced degrees, as well as bringing in faculty scholars to provide the best learning environment for our students."

The executive director of the Division of International Programs promotes an international dimension to the university and provides service to international faculty, staff, students and scholars.

"The search for the executive director of International Programs is crucial because nations are going global," he added. "We are no longer an isolated nation and the preparation of students and faculty to meet the global mission is extremely important."