Three colleges face leadership transitions


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Courtesy Photos | Central Michigan University Richard Rothaus, Karl Smart and Elizabeth Kirby

With one new hire and two interim deans, the academic leadership of Central Michigan University will look a little different this fall.

The College of Education and Human Services (CEHS) and the College of Business Administration (CBA) are both searching for new deans. The new dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) started this month.

Richard Rothaus was named dean of CLASS (formerly the College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences) early this summer. His first day was Aug. 1.

Rothaus arrived here from the North Dakota University system where he worked as the vice chancellor of academic and student affairs. 

His previous work included teaching history at St. Cloud State University and Oklahoma State University.  Rothaus also was the assistant vice president for research and faculty development at SCSU from 2000 to 2008.

Rothaus replaced Pamela Gates, who retired Jan. 15. Marcy Taylor served as interim dean from January to July.

The Board of Governors of Pennsylvania's State System of Higher Education unanimously hired Dale-Elizabeth Pehrsson to be president of Clarion University, according to a Clarion Press Release. Pehrsson was the dean of CEHS since 2012. Her last day was June 30.

Elizabeth Kirby was named interim dean in June.

Kirby joined the CEHS faculty in 2004 and worked her way up to department chair, associate dean and senior associate dean/director of professional development.

CBA Dean Charles Crespy initially announced his retirement to his staff in an email June 26. In an interview with Central Michigan Life, Crespy said the college is in "excellent shape" and "now is an appropriate time to hand off the reins."

Karl Smart will take over as interim dean following Crespy's departure. Crespy's last day is Sept. 30.

Smart has been serving as interim associate dean of CBA since January 2017, but started as a faculty member in the business information systems department in 2002.

There is no new information regarding a search for either dean. 

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