Grad studies dean bolts from IU for 'better fit'

Dean of Graduate Studies John Slattery announced he is resigning his post to take a position at the University of Washington in Seattle that is "a better fit" for him.\nSlattery said the reason he took the job as vice dean of research and graduate education in Washington's School of Medicine is because "there's a lot going on in that field and it's a rapidly expanding institution." \nSlattery spent 25 years at the University of Washington before he came to IU and he has held the position as dean of Graduate Studies since 2003. \n"I'm not one who thinks very much about the stuff I've already done and what I've found attractive about that institution in this particular area is its pace, fast and directed strong vision and that is what makes it a good fit for me," he said. \nSlattery said there was no counteroffer made by IU-Bloomington Chancellor Ken Gros Louis when Slattery informed him of his decision.\nGros Louis, whom Slattery reports directly to, said he is not sure yet the process he will use to select an interim dean and Slattery "has received an opportunity that is difficult to turn down." \n"This is a real loss to IU," IU spokesman Larry MacIntyre said. "But we understand this is a top job at one of the nation's best medical schools and we can understand his desire to take on that challenge. So we're going to miss him."\nDean of the College of Arts and Science Kumble Subbaswamy said that he will miss Slattery's advocacy on behalf of the graduate student issues the most after he leaves.\n"Dean Slattery had a genuine concern for graduate student welfare, and he argued passionately for improvements in health care and other benefits to graduate students and their families even under tough economic times for the University," he said.