A blue-ribbon national advisory panel—under the chairmanship of Frank Rhodes, former president of Cornell University—will build a "prospectus" for the College of Arts and Sciences that will aid in the search process for a new dean, according to President Edward M. Hundert and Provost and Vice President James W. Wagner.

The message to the college's department chairs came shortly after Samuel Savin, arts and sciences' dean since 2001, announced that he would leave his post February 1. Sandra Russ, professor of psychology, will act as interim dean throughout a national search for a new dean.

During his inaugural address, Hundert outlined his vision to create "the most powerful learning environment in the world," calling for a "renaissance of the arts, humanities and social sciences throughout the University." He said he will use nearly $5 million in presidential initiative funds to help in this transformation.

In a message to the college's department chairs, Hundert and Wagner wrote that "in moving ahead boldly toward making this all a reality," CWRU would look for a dean that "embodies the vision, passion and energy to lead our entire University to have a 'complete portfolio' of strengths across the academy."

This bolstering of the humanities builds upon programs started under Savin's leadership that resulted in new general education requirements and the development of many new courses that utilize the resources of University Circle's cultural organizations.

"Our confidence in the ability to move forward so aggressively is a result, in no small measure, of the fine work that Dean Sam Savin has performed during his pivotal and transitional time for the University in laying a strong foundation within the College of Arts and Sciences," Hundert and Wagner wrote.

In a statement to faculty and staff, Savin told members of the college that his years as dean have been ones of immense personal satisfaction.

"I have real pride in the progress we have made together toward our goals of excellence in undergraduate and graduate education and research," he wrote.

"Our extraordinary faculty members and a wonderful team in the Office of the Dean, as well as the contributions of you and other alumni and friends have made these remarkable accomplishments possible. Building on what we have accomplished together and a renewed University commitment to the support of those efforts, I am optimistic about the future of the arts and sciences at CWRU. I urge you to continue your enthusiastic involvement and support," Savin continued.

Until a new dean is appointed, Russ will steer the college through this transitional period. She brings to the position her experiences as the former psychology department chair and as assistant and associate provost and chair of the Faculty Senate. Russ is a clinical psychologist who has focused her research on play and creativity in children and adolescents.