Spring Break
Final dean candidate interviewed
Matt Hopf / News Editor
Issue date: 2/27/09 Section: News
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He said he would look at improving cultural programs at Eastern, which would benefit students and residents of the region.
"In my past positions, especially at (Fort Lewis College in Durango, Col.), we launched many programs with people in the town," he said.
Some of Sax's ideas for programming would include looking at theatrical events, art gallery openings and looking at a speaker series in literature and philosophy.
Sax also suggested having some faculty members speak at local libraries about topics or issues.
Currently the vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college at Lake Erie College in Painesville, Ohio, Sax interviewed for the dean position at Eastern on Thursday and will also interview today.
Sax, who has worked at both public and private institutions, is looking to move back to a larger public university.
He said there is more open access for students at a public university.
The next dean has to work with resources with the three arts departments and also the six humanity departments, Sax said.
"The primary focus of being here is to give a strong education to students," he said.
Students should be able to develop strong critical thinking and writing skills from their education, Sax said.
Sax said as dean, he would be responsible to resolve conflicts and negotiate differences.
Mary Anne Hanner, dean of the College of Sciences and chair of the search committee, said the committee would meet next week to review evaluations from the campus sessions.
The committee will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the finalists, and meet with Blair Lord, provost and vice president for academic affairs, to further discuss the finalists.
Lord will make the final decision because the deans report to him, Hanner said.
A decision could be reached by early April.
The finalists brought something different during their interviews.
"They all bring different view points and different strengths," Hanner said. "It's been enjoyable to listen to them."
Other finalists included Dana Ringuette, chair of the English department at Eastern; Arved Larsen, professor of music and previously associate dean of fine arts at Illinois State University; and John Omachonu, the associate dean of the College of Mass Communications at Middle Tennessee State University, in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Matt Hopf can be reached at 581-7942 or mthopf@eiu.edu.
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