Jackson State University News April 1, 2014 Transitions and new appointment announced within the Division of Academic Affairs Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs James C. Renick has announced that two academic leaders are stepping down from their current positions and another leader will take on an expanded role. Dr. Thomas C. Calhoun, associate vice president for Academic Affairs, will retire effective July 1. An internal search to fill his position will launch immediately. "Dr. Calhoun has held important academic leadership roles in Academic Affairs and the College of Liberal Arts," Renick said. "His contribution to JSU has deepened the quality of the education we offer and helped us build a firm foundation for years to come." Also transitioning is Dr. Jean-Claude Assad, interim dean of the College of Business. Assad will return to his previous position as director of the college's graduate programs once a permanent dean has been identified. Dr. Mary White, chair of the Department of Entrepreneurship and Professional Development, will chair a national search for a new dean. "We are deeply grateful to Dr. Assad for stepping in as interim dean last year. Because of his work, Jackson State University is positioned to attract the right leader who can build on the accomplishments of the College of Business," Renick said. Dr. Nicole Evans, who currently serves as assistant provost for Institutional Research, Planning and Enrollment Management, has been promoted to associate provost. Evans' promotion is the result of her outstanding work leading JSU's enrollment management efforts, Renick said. "Dr. Evans' leadership has helped Jackson State consistently grow its enrollment each semester. Her strategic vision is helping to increase our student body through innovative programs, such as expanded online degree offerings," Renick said. Beginning in fall 2014, JSU will increase its online degree programs from two to seven. Calhoun, who is a professor of sociology and formerly served as interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts at JSU, said he plans to return to the college as an adjunct professor in the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice. "JSU's current leadership team is outstanding, and I see only excellence for the future," Calhoun said. "I'm excited about teaching because that was my first love." Assad helped establish JSU's doctoral program in business, the first such program at a historically black college or university. He also served as director of all the college's graduate programs, which include the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, the Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA) program and the Ph.D. program. "We are indebted to Dr. Calhoun and Dr. Assad for their significant contributions to Jackson State University," Renick said. "These transitions create new opportunities for the university to build upon their work and advance our strategic direction." SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/2014meeting-form.html for the October 26-28, 2014 HBCU Library Alliance 6th Membership Meeting in Atlanta GA!