New CMU deans, Ghanem and Ingersoll, look to build internally and externally

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Central Michigan University is welcoming two new deans for the 2009-10 school year.

Salma Ghanem, the Dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts, started work at CMU Aug. 3.

Chris Ingersoll, the Dean of the College of Health Professions, began June 1.

Ghanem, a 15-year veteran in academia, comes from the University of Texas Pan-American, where she was the chairwoman of the journalism department for eight years.

“I believe the job of the dean is twofold: internal and external,” Ghanem said. “The dean must handle issues in every department and unit of the college, as well as supporters, the community, alumni and so on.”

Ghanem said the dean’s job also includes getting to know and understanding the departments in the college and serving as the face of it in the community.

She was interested in the position because it was a “wonderful opportunity” and she had heard a lot about the CCFA.

Ghanem said she believes in first observing before changing anything in the college, but she aims to make the college “as strong as possible.”

Chris Ingersoll

Ingersoll comes to CMU from the University of Virginia, were he was adjunct professor of sports medicine and had previously been the chairman of the Department of Sports Medicine.

Ingersoll applied for the job at CMU because the college has the “right combination of programs for great things” and has a “reputation for producing great graduates,” a process he would like to be a part of.

Ingersoll is looking to build on excellence at CMU through a collaborative discussion with students and staff where opportunities arise.

“The people are committed to a student-centered university,” he said.

And that leads to a very healthy environment, Ingersoll said.

Although Ghanem and Ingersoll said they were worried about the state budget, Ingersoll said that is not something to worry about in the future.

‘The right choice’

Tom Masterson, the associate dean at the College of Health Professions, was the interim dean at the college for two years before Ingersoll was hired.

“It was a good experience,” Masterson said.

He added that “they made the right choice” in hiring Ingersoll for the permanent position.

Masterson said the dean is the leader of an academic unit and handles the budget, curriculum and program development for the college, keep all of the departments working together smoothly and being the “face of the college.”

“It’s like running a business,” Masterson said.