New dean of faculties named

Department of Anthropology Chairperson Jeanne Sept was named as the dean of faculties Sunday. \nPending approval from the IU board of trustees, Sept will replace Moya Andrews who has served in the position since 1999. Andrews retired, effective Sunday. \nSept served as the associate dean of faculties from 2000-2003, but said she hasn't laid out any plans as of yet. \n"We're developing (plans) slowly because I haven't had a chance to meet with other people in the office, but I'd like to support the tradition of supporting the faculty," Sept said. "I hope to find ways to tell the stories of our University. I'd like to find ways to celebrate the success stories to encourage the faculty and students. That's definitely a goal."\nThe outgoing Andrews was the first woman to serve as dean of the faculties. She said she is leaving the position in order to retire and take a trip to her native Australia. \n"I am traveling to Australia this fall," Andrews said. "After my return from Australia, when I am not doing my radio show 'Focus on Flowers' on WFIU, part of my time will be focusing on writing a book."\nAndrews said she is confident in Sept's ability and expects a smooth transition due to Sept's familiarity with the office. \n"Jeanne Sept is a wonderful person and she will do an outstanding job," Andrews said. "I worked closely with her, and I know how talented and dedicated she is. The office will be in good hands."\nSept returned the praise to her predecessor and said she believes Andrews has done an exceptional job in the position. During her tenure, Andrews oversaw the creation of the Emeriti House, an organization that allows retired faculty living in the Bloomington area to continue working for the University.\n"She's been absolutely superb," Sept said. "One of things she has been able to do is support the faculty and their needs. She truly is of the faculty, by the faculty and for the faculty, and the recent creation of the Emeriti House simply proves her devotion to the support of IU's faculty."\nIU Chancellor Ken Gros Louis said he is confident in the decision to put Sept at the helm of the organization and is sure she can continue the legacy left by previous deans of faculties. \n"Jeanne has the leadership and vision to continue the excellent work that Moya Andrews has done in the dean of faculties office," Gros Louis said in a press release. "Like Moya, she cares deeply about the faculty, and she will be a strong advocate for their issues."\nSept also seeks to continue Andrew's work in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning program, which works to better students' learning experience through researching how different teaching methods effect undergraduates. \n"Her work with the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning has been outstanding," Sept said. "That's a program that's really encouraged faculty to use their research skills to find out how the students learn. Because of her sponsorship, we've developed an incredible community of faculty members from every school."\nIn 2002, former IU Chancellor Sharon Brehm wanted to turn the dean of faculties position into a provost post, which would have removed Andrews from the position in the fall of 2003. But the idea was scrapped due to lack of faculty support.\nWith the position fully intact, Sept said she believes she is fully qualified to serve IU in that capacity. She also said she believes expertise in anthropology will be helpful to the dean of faculties position. \n"I also bring the perspective of an anthropologist, and that will aid me as dean of faculties," Sept said. "I can understand the people and the culture and I'd love to be able to find new ways to bring a faculty full of diverse interests and experiences together around issues that will help develop our University. All we have to do is find opportunity to solve problems and pursue problems together, and I hope to encourage that."\nOne of Sept's goals is to continue the prestige her predecessors brought to the dean of faculties office and is looking forward to the challenges that come with the position. \n"It's humbling and it's a great honor because IU's had an outstanding group of deans stretching back to the first dean of faculties, (Herman) Briscoe, when the position was created by Herman Wells," Sept said. "It's wonderful to be a part of such a long tradition of supporting the faculty. I've learned from good mentors and I understand what a difference it can make for individuals. I believe that an organization on campus that focuses on your intellectual well-being is extremely important."\n-- Contact Managing Editor Dan Patrick at djpatric@indiana.edu.