Kooros Mahmoudi

Interim dean appointed for SBS

Kooros Mahmoudi, a professor of sociology from the Department of Sociology and Social Work, will serve as interim dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences while a permanent dean is sought, Liz Grobsmith, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, announced.

"Dr. Mahmoudi was recommended to me by many individuals in SBS who view him as someone with strong leadership ability who can serve the college and university during this critical period of transition," Grobsmith said.

Mahmoudi came to NAU in 1981 and has held numerous positions, including serving as chair of the department from 1990-1994 and as director of its graduate program from 1986-1990.

He received a bachelor's of science degree, a master's degree and a doctorate in sociology from Utah State University. He won an NAU Teaching Scholar Award for the 2002-2003 academic year.

Outgoing dean Kathy Cruz-Uribe recently accepted a position as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at California State University, Monterey Bay, beginning in January.

The search committee for the new dean includes:

• Michael Vincent, committee chair and dean, College of Arts and Letters
• Rich Carroll, executive director, Institute for Human Development
• Gheeta Chowdhry, director, Ethnic Studies and Political Science
• Wolf Gumerman, chair, Anthropology
• Yvonne Luna, assistant professor, Sociology and Social Work
• Mark Neumann, director, School of Communication
• Karin Ross, program coordinator, Social Research Lab
• Kimberly Smith, student, Applied Indigenous Studies
• Kay Whitaker, community member
• Nancy Wonders, chair, Criminal Justice

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