Rudolph P. Almasy, a professor of English at West Virginia University, has been named interim dean for the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, effective Sept. 16.

Almasy will fill the role vacated by Robert Jones, who announced his departure from WVU in August to become provost and vice president for academic affairs at Clemson University in South Carolina.

The role of interim dean is not a new one for Almasy. He has served Eberly in this same capacity three times previously, from 1995-1997, 2004-2005, and 2009-2010. From 2011-2012, he also served as interim dean for the Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design.

“I’m delighted that Professor Almasy has agreed to step into this role once again,” Provost Joyce McConnell said. “He has deep understanding of Eberly, both from a faculty perspective and from his previous experiences serving as an interim dean. I can think of no one better suited to lead the college in this transitional period.”

The liberal arts and the sciences disciplines housed in the Eberly College have been central to WVU’s academic mission since the university was chartered in 1867. The college of arts and sciences was formally created in 1895. In 1993, the name was changed to the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences to recognize and commemorate the generosity of the Eberly family, the Eberly Foundation, and the Eberly Family Charitable Trust. Today, Eberly is WVU’s largest college, employing more than 435 faculty and offering 36 undergraduate majors and 32 graduate programs.

McConnell will begin a national search for a permanent dean for the college this year.

“Bob Jones was a wonderful asset to WVU and to Eberly,” McConnell said. “We will miss him, but we wish him tremendous success at Clemson. I am confident that we can build off the great work he did here and find an exceptional new leader for our exceptional college of arts and sciences.”

Almasy earned his bachelor’s degree from MacMurray College and did his graduate work at the University of Minnesota. His scholarship and teaching focuses on both 16th century literature and young adult literature.

“With a new president and a new provost, this is an exciting time for me to assume these responsibilities,” Almasy said. “I am grateful for this opportunity to be part of the team that is moving WVU forward.”

-WVU-

ac/08/26/14

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