Searches that began last fall are coming to a close.

Provost Barbara Burch said contracts are still subject to approval by President Gary Ransdell, but two deans and several department heads were recently selected for positions next semester.

However, Burch said there is still a dean needed in the Division of Extended Learning and Outreach at the Bowling Green Community College.

Most department head searches will be complete by the end of April, but some will go into May, she said.

Sam Evans accepted the position as the Dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences on April 10. Evans has served as interim dean of the college since December 15.

“We’ve got a number of things going on in the college that I view as cutting edge,” Evans said.

He said cutting edge projects include the college’s Teacher Quality Enhancement Project and a literacy program. The projects have gained national recognition and should have a tremendous impact on student learning.

John Bonaguro accepted the position as the Dean of the College of Health and Human Services and will assume his position in July, Burch said.

He currently works at Ithaca College in Ithaca, N.Y. as the Associate Dean of the School of Health Science and Human Performance, where he has been for ten years.

Bonaguro said he feels ready to make the step as dean of Western’s College of Health.

“It’s a great opportunity to go as a founding dean of a new unit,” he said.

Pam Johnson is the new director of the School of Journalism and Broadcasting. Johnson is coming from Kansas State University where she is a R. M. Seaton visiting professor.

John Baker, a chief of plans and exercises in the operations division of the United States Army stationed in Japan and a ninth theater support command, will come to Western next semester as the Department of Military Science and Leadership head.

John Reis, an associate professor of aerospace engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, will become the head for the department of engineering.

Some positions are being filled by faculty already on the Hill.

Cathleen Webb, an associate chemistry professor, will move up to chemistry department head next semester.

Lou Turley, professor of economics and marketing, will move to department head of his department next semester.

Larry Snyder, associate professor of religious studies, will take on the position as Assistant Dean of Potter College next semester.

Snyder said he will give his position a try.

“Potter College is the largest college in the university,” Snyder said. “We need someone to be able to help coordinate things.”

Reach Shawntaye Hopkins at [email protected].