Ohio University announced its first finalist for the Executive Dean for Regional Higher Education search.
Bill Willan, dean of OU Southern, was named a finalist this week.
If selected as dean, Willan would oversee five regional campuses and three centers. He would begin in July 2013.
Willan said his experience as dean of both Eastern and Southern campuses gives him a rather unique perspective on the potential job.
“I know from working with the other regional deans and the faculty and staff on various campuses that there is a great support system there and a lot of people I can count on,” he said.
If hired, Willan would report to the Executive Vice President and Provost Pam Benoit. He would supervise a half-time Assistant Dean for Regional Higher Education, the Director of Operations and Budget and several staff, according to the job application.
“The Executive Dean represents Regional Higher Education on a number of university-wide standing committees dealing with all aspects of University operations,” the application states.
Ella Jones, associate dean of OU Southern, worked with Willan for more than 10 years.
“He is just a great person to work with, I know he cares about the regional campus system,” she said. “He knows the people and cares about the people. For that reason, I just think it will be great for the region campus system to have Bill as executive dean.”
Chief of Staff for the Provost and Chief Financial Officer Ann Fidler said Willan will be interviewing this week.
“Dr. Willan was judged to be the only fully qualified applicant,” she said in an email. “The search was an internal search, meaning only current OU employees could apply. If Dr. Willan is not hired, we will likely undertake a national search.”
In his curriculum vitae, Willan touts his experience as a reason he should be dean.
“I am familiar with regional campus operations from both the Regional Higher Education and regional campus perspectives,” Willan states in his curriculum vitae. “… Among my areas of strength are a firm commitment to faculty development, both through innovative teaching and scholarship.”
Previous Executive Dean of Regional Higher Education and Vice Provost of E-Learning Ohio and Strategic Initiatives Dan Evans retired from his position on June 30, 2011, after serving regional campuses for 10 years.
OU-Zanesville Dean Jim Fonseca has been filling in for the position since Evans' retirement. His 2011-12 salary was $175,000 and his current salary is $179,375.
“I am passionate about the regional campuses,” said Willan, whose current salary is $143,925. “Regional campuses are places that non-traditional students have their lives transformed and I know Ohio University has that transformation as its goal for students.”
bc822010@ohiou.edu
