I am pleased to announce two interim leadership appointments: Professor William Ladusaw, currently vice provost and dean of undergraduate education, has accepted an appointment as interim dean of the Division of Humanities; and Professor Mark Cioc has agreed to serve as interim vice provost and dean of the Division of Undergraduate Education.
Ladusaw succeeds Humanities Dean Georges Van Den Abbeele, who was recently named founding dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at Northeastern University. Van Den Abbeele, who joined UC Santa Cruz in 2006, has led the Humanities Division during a difficult period marked by the worst budget cuts in UC history. His numerous and lasting contributions to the campus include a comprehensive divisionwide review that has positioned the Humanities Division for the future, and the establishment of two new endowed chairs. I am grateful for his outstanding work and his collegiality over the last four years.
Ladusaw, a professor of linguistics who has served since 2004 as vice provost and dean of undergraduate education (VPDUE), brings valuable campus and divisional expertise to this interim appointment. He joined the faculty as an assistant professor in 1984, served as chair of the Linguistics Department from 1997-99, and was provost of Cowell College from 1997-2003.
I have worked closely with Bill and have come to rely on his wise advice on a wide variety of issues of importance to the campus. He has been a tireless advocate for undergraduates at UCSC, collaborating constantly with faculty and staff across campus and at a systemwide level. In the end, the fact that our students hold Bill in high regard is strong evidence of his success and lasting effectiveness as VPDUE. I thank him for his service and counsel over the years.
In his new role, Cioc will oversee all undergraduate academic programs. A professor of history, Mark joined the faculty in 1989 and has held several positions on campus, including provost of Stevenson College from 1994-98, chair of Academic Senate committees overseeing international education, and director of UCSC's Washington Program, known as the UCDC program. A specialist in European environmental history, he is the author of several books, including The Game of Conservation: International Treaties to Protect the World's Migratory Species.
Van Den Abbeele and Ladusaw will work together beginning September 1. Van Den Abbeele, who will step down as dean effective September 18, will serve in an advisory capacity from September 18-30 to support a smooth transition. Cioc will begin his new role on September 1. Both interim appointments will continue through the 2010-11 academic year.
