Three faculty members and administrators have been named finalists for interim dean of the Scripps College of Communication.
Claudia Hale, a professor in the School of Communication Studies; Eric Rothenbuhler, associate dean of the Scripps College; and Scott Titsworth, director of the School of Communication Studies, have been selected as finalists for the interim dean position.
Current Dean Greg Shepherd announced earlier this month he is leaving for a similar position at the University of Miami July 1, and Ohio University hopes to have an interim in place by May 31, said Ann Fidler, chief of staff to Executive Vice President and Provost Pam Benoit.
“I’m not sure yet what the timetable is; the goal is to try to get the individual selected fairly soon so they can begin working with Dean Shepherd,” Fidler said.
Fifteen people were nominated for the interim dean position, either by themselves or Group I faculty within the Scripps College, Fidler said. Benoit will choose the interim dean from the three finalists.
“I’m honored to be among those individuals who are being interviewed for this opportunity,” said Hale, who previously served as director of the School of Communication Studies from 2005 to 2010.
Rothenbuhler just arrived at OU last July but said he has worked in higher education since 1985.
“It’s a big honor, and there are three good candidates,” he said.
Titsworth declined to comment but indicated in an interview earlier this month that he is not interested in becoming dean of the Scripps College.
Whoever is named interim dean is eligible to apply for the permanent position if they wish to, Fidler said.
Hale said that currently, she is only interested in the interim position, while Rothenbuhler said he has not yet decided whether he will apply for the permanent position.
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