Two staff changes have been announced by the College of Engineering that affect cabinet-level administration.
Diane Rover, associate dean for academic and student affairs (ASA), will conclude her appointment on June 30. Professor Rover’s initial five-year term, which began in 2004, had been extended for one year.
Her achievements include the successful implementation of a major National Science Foundation grant that advanced the college’s efforts to recruit two-year transfer students and those from underrepresented populations. In addition, particularly through undergraduate recruiting, she helped develop and apply the 2050 Challenge message.
Rover will return to the Iowa State faculty, where she has been a professor of electrical and computer engineering since 2001.
A decision about the interim leadership of ASA will be made at a later date. A search to fill the position permanently will take place in the fall, with the objective of having someone in place by January 1.
Derrick Rollins, who has been serving as assistant dean for diversity, will transition to the new role of professor in charge of community-based recruitment and transition programs. In this position, Professor Rollins will focus directly on actively recruiting underrepresented students from Iowa and other states, as well as on facilitating their academic success once enrolled in our college.
Rollins has already established relationships with high schools and teachers in Kansas City and Omaha, and he will expand strategic recruiting efforts to other regions as well. Also, in recognition of the growing importance of transition and mentoring programs for underrepresented students, he will lead summer and academic-year transition programs, such as SPEED. His work in this area will be supported through the collaborative efforts of faculty and staff in academic departments, as well as the college’s undergraduate student service unit.
“The college continues to respond to important opportunities in student recruitment and retention,” said Jonathan Wickert, dean of the college, “and these moves involve some key priorities. Diane and Derrick have fulfilled significant roles as members of my cabinet, and I look forward to their continued contributions in recruitment, teaching, and research.”
One additional change involves John Glover, executive director of development for the engineering college. Glover joins assistant and associate deans and senior staff as a new member of the dean’s cabinet.
“Alumni and corporate relations are important aspects of the college’s operations,” Wickert said. “John has already brought significant experience and insight to the college by leading engineering’s development unit. Through John’s new participation on the cabinet, he, his team of directors of development, and our colleagues at the ISU Foundation will become more closely engaged with the college’s planning and external relations functions.”
In another move, Loni Pringnitz, manager of experiential education programs in Engineering Career Services, has announced that she is leaving to become director of career services in the College of Human Sciences (CHS).
“Loni has been a valued member of our college for 17 years and we are grateful for her service,” Wickert said. “We look forward to retaining a strong relationship with her as she shares her expertise with CHS.”