Shirley Neuman, dean of UBC's Faculty of Arts since 1996, has announced she is leaving the university to accept a position as dean of the College of Literature, Science and the Arts at the University of Michigan.
Neuman says her decision to leave is in no way the result of any disaffection with UBC. She says she accepted the offer because the University of Michigan is one of the two best public universities in North America.
"I did not seek this opportunity; it sought me," says Neuman. "I decided, finally, to take it up because it offers challenges and room for growth that I believe will enable me to become much better at this task of university leadership and because it does so in a university -- like UBC -- of great intellectual vitality and distinction."
Barry McBride, vice-president Academic and Provost, regrets Neuman's departure and says she has shown outstanding leadership, working effectively in support of the Faculty of Arts and UBC in difficult financial times.
"I would like to thank Shirley for her many contributions to UBC in the three years she has been here," says McBride. "I congratulate her on this significant appointment, and I wish her every success as she takes on new challenges."
Neuman came to UBC in 1996 from the University of Alberta where she was chair of the English Dept. She will leave UBC to take up her new appointment in July.
An advisory search committee to find a new dean will be set up as soon as possible McBride says. In the interim, McBride will be appointing an acting dean to begin July 1.