On Dec. 15, the Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost posted an update on the search for the Dean of the Graduate School: Three finalists have been selected for the position.
Under consideration are: Dr. Andy Berglund, Dr. Scott Pratt and Dr. Mia Tuan.
The finalists were chosen by a Dean of the Graduate School Search Committee, which includes faculty, a graduate teaching fellow and an administrative representative.
“We looked for people who represent different constituencies,” said Committee Chair Dr. Margaret Paris. The committee was formed during fall term.
Berglund is the current Interim Dean of the Grad School, a position he has held since July. Berglund is a professor in biochemistry, biophysics and molecular biology, and has been with the University of Oregon since 2002. Prior to his current position, Berglund was the Associate Dean of the Graduate School.
In his letter of interest, Berglund cited his administrative involvement as testimonies to his capability to serve as the Dean. These include his work on the graduate admissions committee and within the biology department to connect academic pursuits at the university with internships.
Tuan, a professor in the education studies department, is another finalist for the position. Tuan served as the Interim Dean of the College of Education from 2013-2014, and when Berglund was appointed Interim Dean of the Graduate School, she filled his position as Associate Dean.
She is the author of three books, which focus on race and politics. Tuan asserted her experience in terms of relationships within the university and discussed her sociological background and perspective on minority-related issues in her letter of interest.
Pratt is the third finalist named by the committee. He has taught in the philosophy department at UO since 1995. He served for three years as Associate Dean for Humanities in the College of Arts and Sciences at the UO and was also the Head of the Department of Philosophy for seven years.
In his letter of interest, Pratt prioritized and proposed collaborative efforts between departments such as the Vice President for Research to grow graduate programs.
“I am happy to say that each of our finalist candidates has extensive administrative experience at the level of dean, as well as impressive experience as researchers and teachers, all working with grad students, all of which factored in our thinking about finalists for the position. Each has a vision of the Graduate School’s role in serving students and improving the quality of graduate studies here at UO – those visions are also distinct, which made them compelling finalists,” said committee member Lara Bovilsky of the English department regarding the candidates.
Now that the finalists have been named, the next steps will engage the campus community.
The Office of the Senior Vice President and Provost’s update on the search mentioned public presentations to occur this week.
“As the university moves forward with strategic planning, the Dean will be integral to expanding, promoting and enhancing graduate education. This position will elevate research, scholarship, learning/teaching and the creative profile of the university and its students and faculty. I look forward to the interviews and encourage students and colleagues to participate in the sessions and share feedback,” Acting Vice President and Provost Frances Bronet said.
Check the Provost’s website for upcoming updates.