Ohio University’s College of Arts and Sciences announced Professor Howard Dewald as its interim dean upon the departure of current dean Ben Ogles.
Ogles announced April 15 that he would be leaving OU to serve as the dean of the College of Family, Home, and Social Sciences at Brigham Young University, his alma mater. His last day at OU will be July 1.
"Howard has a compelling set of characteristics that make him well suited to provide effective leadership for the college," stated Executive Vice President and Provost Pam Benoit in an email to Arts and Sciences faculty members. "His judgment, experience, and dedication to Arts and Sciences students, faculty, and staff are exceptional. I also was impressed with his knowledge of the quality and contributions of units across the institution."
The College of Arts and Sciences searched within its current employees for an interim dean, said Ann Fidler, Benoit's chief of staff, in April.
Dewald is currently an associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences. Benoit
chose Dewald today; he was picked from a total of three candidates in the college for interim dean, Fidler said.
Officials in the college wanted to name an interim dean as quickly as possible so that person could begin training with Ogles for the rest of his time here, Fidler said.
"(Dewald) has had a great deal of experience in the college's office," Fidler said. "He is widely respected by faculty and staff in the college. And he is a person of integrity with great ideas."
In April, the college began the process of forming a search committee to find Ogles' replacement, and officials are still forming the committee now. No timeline has been set as to when a new dean should be in place.
"We'll be done when we find the right person," Fidler said.
Ogles’ salary this year was $191,900. Dewald's salary was $85,078.
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