Provost: five dean vacancies normal

By Leticia Janes

While six of UK’s college deans have left their positions in the past two years, UK Provost Kumble Subbaswammy said the turnover isn’t out of the ordinary.

The national average for a dean’s tenure is about 6.5 years, Subbaswamy said. This makes the vacancies of the postions at UK normal, he said.

“Deans typically move on to higher positions or return to the faculty after their service,” Subbaswamy said. “We are fortunate that some of the senior deans who have stepped down in the past couple of years will remain on the faculty.

“We benefit from their experience while enjoying the ideas and enthusiasm of new leadership.”

Since 2006, six of UK’s 18 college deans have resigned from their positions. David Mahoney of the College of Design was replaced by Michael Speaks during the spring semester.

Still vacant are the positions left by Steve Hoch in Arts and Sciences, David Johnson in Communications and Information Studies, Jim Cibulka in Education, Allan Vestal in Law and Kay Hoffman in Social Work. Each dean served between five and 13 years.

Four of the deans – Hoffman, Johnson, Mahoney and Vestal – will return or have returned to faculty positions, said UK spokesman Tom Harris.

UK is continuing its search to replace the deans of the remaining colleges. The committees are actively searching for candidates, Harris said, and each has its own process and criteria for the position.

When a dean decides to step down from the position, he or she will discuss future plans with the provost and then make an announcement to his or her respective faculty, said Kris Hobson, provost institutional staff officer.

Hoffman, dean of the College of Social Work for 11 years, announced her decision to return to faculty in August 2007, but she will serve as the dean until a replacement is appointed. Hoffman said while she’s enjoyed her stay, it was finally time to leave.

“I had hoped to stay 10 years. So, I got what I wanted and I just think it is time,” she said.
“Life is short and I want to try myself in new arenas. I am excited about new possibilities, and stepping aside is right for me.”

Hoffman said she couldn’t speculate as to why other college deans are leaving.

“Mine is very clear, I think I have been dean long enough,” Hoffman said. “New faces, ideas and perspectives help institutions. This is the fifth social work program of which I have been a part and each time I took a position at a new school, I think I brought good ideas and energy.”

Faculty members have expectations for the dean who will replace Steve Hoch, the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences who resigned in May to take a provost position at Washington State University.

“The talents of a dean is vital to the morale of the college”, said Mark Summers, professor of history in the College of Arts and Sciences for 30 years. “I think when choosing a dean for the College of Arts and Sciences (the candidate) should have tolerance, have a sense of humor and a sense of his or her fallibility.”

The search for the dean of the College of Social Work continues Monday, when the second candidate, Santos Hernandez, will participate in an open forum. The forum, in room 209 of the Main Building, will be from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.