Ohio University will lose two more deans this summer — bring the administrative toll to 11 since 2004.
Rathindra Bose, vice president for research and dean of the Graduate College, announced today that he is leaving for a position at the University of Houston. Bose has worked at OU since 2008.
The same day, Dan Evans, executive dean of regional higher education, said he will retire from his position June 30.
“I’m retiring from Ohio University after 38 years...” said Evans, who also serves as vice provost of E-Learning Ohio and strategic initiatives.“... It’s time for me to spend a little more time with my family,” he said.
Bose's office directed calls to University Communications and Marketing.
In fall 2010, a female employee levied a sexual harassment complaint against Bose, saying he propositioned her in exchange for a higher paying position, and he created a hostile work environment. However, the Office of Institutional Equity investigated the matter and found the complaints unsubstantiated.
Ann Fidler, the provost’s chief of staff, said Bose and Evans’ announcements were not related.
“It’s a matter of coincidence,” Fidler said, adding that Evans would take a hiatus for the summer, and then return to OU as vice provost “on a part-time basis” for a two-year period.
While the search for Evans’ replacement is conducted, Jim Fonseca, dean of OU’s Zanesville campus, will serve work as interim executive dean beginning July 1 for a one-year period, Fidler said.
Executive Vice President and Provost Pam Benoit will select an interim to replace Bose by the end of the quarter. OU will conduct two national searches, starting in the fall — one to replace each administrator, Fidler said.
Evans has worked with OU’s regional campuses for 10 years, but he has had a long association with the university, according to a news release. Evans earned both his bachelor's degree and his doctoral degree at OU.
“I hope to come back on a part-time basis to transition the e-learning unit and move it towards greater integration,” Evans said.
The departure of Evans and Bose mark the latest in a long line of administrators who have left the university. Excluding Evans and Bose, nine top OU officials have left the university since 2004.
“It’s fairly typical at most public universities to have changes in administration,” Fidler said, “They come here, they do a great job, and then they create opportunities for themselves at other locations.”
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