"I am pleased to announced that Greg Call, Professor of Mathematics and Dean of New Students, has agreed to become Dean of the Faculty beginning July 1, 2003. This is an interim appointment," said President Tom Gerety in a letter to the faculty dated Feb. 19. According to Gerety, Call will continue to serve until the new president appoints a new dean following a search sometime in the next couple of years. Gerety will recommend the appointment to the Board of Trustees at their meeting in April.
Gerety added that serving as an interim dean does not preclude Call from participating as a candidate in the search for a permanent dean.
"I am sure that both the Faculty and the new president will find Greg to be the wise colleague and administrator that we all have had in Lisa [Raskin]," Gerety.
Call considers the dean of faculty to be an advocate for the faculty within the administration and with the new president. "[The dean of the faculty] needs to be a considerate advisor to the president and help in dealing with the faculty and in furthering the educational goals of the College," said Call.
"I didn't learn that I was being considered for the position until President Gerety offered it to me," said Call. "I was very greatful that he did."
"I think it's a wonderful appointment. All of us in the office are proud of him," said Dean of Students Ben Lieber. "Our only regret is that he won't continue as dean of new students any longer."
This is Call's second stint as the dean of new students. "He did a great job the first time and he's doing a great job now," said Lieber. Lieber was uncertain as to how long it would take to find a new dean of new students, but said that they would probably finish the search by the time Call assumes his duties in July.
Call's colleagues expressed their support for the decision. "I think it's an excellent choice," said Professor of Mathematics Norton Starr. "He's a sound individual."
"Whatever he attends to gets well-attended to and if necessary some imagination gets added He is always willing to assume more than his share of responsibility in the department," said Professor of Mathematics Norton Starr.
Call will work closely with Raskin during the transition. "I think Dean Raskin has been a wonderful dean," said Call. "I will take every opportunity to learn from her in the next few months."
Raskin also expressed her satisfaction with the choice of her successor, "I am delighted that Greg Call has agreed to become the Dean of the Faculty for the interim. The Faculty will be well served by his presence in this office; in fact, I feel very comfortable leaving the Deanship in his hands. We can trust him-he'll be great," said Raskin.