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Dean search continues in spring By Alisha Brown Communication is key, and in the search for a new dean for the College of Communication, nothing seems to matter more. As a leader for the new college, the dean will be responsible for presenting journalism, radio-TV-film and speech communication interests to the public. In fall 1999, the College of Fine Arts and Communication split to form two colleges, creating two new positions for deans. Scott Sullivan was appointed last February as dean of the College of Fine Arts, and the search for a dean of the College of Communication began in December. Assistant Provost Ann Sewell said a search committee, which includes two outside consultants, began by placing an advertisement in The Chronicle of Higher Education detailing requirements for the position. Sewell said the dean will need to work more with outside groups to increase the visibility of the new college. Committee member Paul King, associate professor of speech communication, said it is too soon to be specific in the search, but the committee is looking for a more narrow range of characteristics since the colleges split. “We can specialize at this point,” he said. “In the past we’ve had to find a person who could stretch a long way.” A pool of applicants is being assembled and considered weekly, said Bill Ryan, committee chairman and department chair of communication speech disorders. “One of the biggest things we’re looking for is someone of prevalent quality who can fit in with TCU’s new mission to be a global community,” he said. The consultants and the committee members may nominate individuals, and Sewell said there has not been a problem generating interest.“The two outside consultants are not really working as head hunters but are shaking the bushes for new and dynamic individuals good for the position at this point,” she said. “The search committee is feeding us names, and the ad is producing some additional folks.” At this point, eight applications have been reviewed, and 16 nominations have been made. On-campus interviews of top candidates may be scheduled in late February or early March with committee members, other deans, undergraduate and graduate students and the chancellor. “The idea is to find a few good men or women,” Sewell said. “We don’t need 100; we don’t need 20. We need one — the right one.” Past searches have taken anywhere from three to six months, she said. “We would rather have the right person Sept. 15 than the wrong one May 15,” Sewell said. The appointment should come in late spring, she said. Alisha Brown
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