Search for graduate dean begins

Jenenne Nelson

A four-member search committee will review campus-only applications for the position of dean of the UCCS Graduate School, Peg Bacon, provost, recently announced.

Michael Larson, associate vice chancellor, Research and Innovation, will chair the search committee charged with finding a replacement for Jenenne Nelson, professor, Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences, and current Graduate School dean. Earlier this academic year, Nelson announced her plan to retire from the dean’s position effective June 30.

“The Graduate School dean is a critical position as UCCS continues to strengthen its graduate programs and research,” Larson said.

Nelson was named dean in July 2008. She joined the Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences as an assistant professor in 1992, was promoted to associate professor in 1997 and professor in 2007. In 2004, she retired from her leadership position in the Wyoming National Guard.

The search committee hopes to begin reviewing applications by April 16 and to have finalists make presentations to the campus on May 4.

The search committee members are: Larson, chair; Rebecca Duray, professor, College of Business; Rita Hug, senior instructor, Kraemer Family Library; and Jeff Spicher, chair, graduate nursing programs, Beth-El College of Nursing and Health Sciences. Steph Romero, program assistant, Graduate School, will provide staff assistance to the committee.