The dean of Ohio University-Chillicothe, one of the university's five regional campuses, announced yesterday that he will retire at the end of June.
Richard Bebee has served as dean of the Chillicothe campus - which includes 2,368 undergraduate students - for nine years and earns $143,805 a year. He said he plans to stay in the area and continue to work with OU.
I look at this as a transition. I don't use either of those 'r' words - retire or resign
Bebee said, adding it will be good for the campus to get a new perspective. I have been able to do a few things on this campus - things are going well - and I think ... it's time for somebody else to take up the reins.
The dean, who said the birth of his first grandchild helped prompt the decision, said he still feels
connected to Chillicothe and will work with the College of Business, where he is a full-time professor, to raise money for the campus' planned $2 million expansion.
Beginning in the fall, Bebee will teach accounting classes and raise money for the regional campuses.
Executive Vice President and Provost Pam Benoit, who was in Chillicothe for Bebee's announcement, said he deserves great credit for moving OU-C forward.
Rich's work has been fundamental to the advancement of the mission of Ohio University Benoit said at the press conference. While I have worked with Rich for only a short period of time it has been long enough for me to see his deep dedication to the students
faculty and staff of OU-C. He knows this place and its people so well
and he speaks of it ... with the greatest enthusiasm and respect.
Benoit praised Bebee for his focus on the campus environment - from creating a learning commons for students to prioritizing research and professional activities for faculty.
Bebee said his biggest accomplishment as dean was building a strong core of faculty and staff, as well as developing a clear mission for the campus. Bebee said his priority during his remaining time as dean is filling some remaining faculty and staff positions.
OU plans to do a national search to fill Bebee's position, and the provost's office said Benoit hopes to have someone in place by July 1.
I would hope that my successor would be attracted to this place because it's done a lot but (also) be attracted because there's a lot more that could be done
Bebee said. I describe it as limitless potential.
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Emily Grannis
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