Graduate College seeks applicants for new dean, gets tuition waiver boost

Provost Liz Grobsmith is seeking internal applicants for the dean of the Graduate College, who will report to the provost. This new position was created from the previous position of vice provost for research and dean of the Graduate College. It has been split into two positions: dean of the Graduate College and a vice president for research, who will report to the president.

The national search firm, Isaacson, Miller, is assisting NAU with the search for a vice president for research.

"By splitting this one position into two, we will be able to bring focused leadership to the development and growth of our graduate school and research as we continue to grow our long tradition of interdisciplinary initiatives and research," Grobsmith said.

Bill Grabe, who has served as interim vice provost for research and dean of the Graduate College, will return to his faculty appointment in English. Patricia Baron will continue in her role as associate dean of the Graduate College.

Candidates for dean of the Graduate College must be tenured faculty at the level of associate professor or above, with experience equivalent to chair. Applicants are encouraged to contact the chair of the screening committee, Susanna Maxwell, vice provost for Academic Personnel. A review of applications will begin April 20.

Further support for the Graduate College came last week when President John Haeger announced increasing the tuition remission benefit for graduate assistants to a 50 percent waiver, effective for the fall semester. This more than doubles the benefit value as it will now be $2,482 for the academic year 20 hours per week assistantship, rather than the previous benefit of $1,230 for the academic year.

About 6,000 students are enrolled in NAU's graduate studies that offer 47 master's degrees, eight doctoral degrees, one professional degree and 17 graduate certificates.