Dear Colleagues,

In March, we shared the news of Dean Nancy Mathews’ appointment as Provost and Executive Vice President at Central Michigan University. At that time, we also announced the nomination process for interim leadership of the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources (RSENR). I’m writing today to share the news that Professor Allan Strong has accepted the appointment of Interim Dean. Allan and Nancy will plan for the transition over the next several months, and Allan’s appointment will begin August 1.

Allan has been a member of the RSENR faculty since 1999, serving as the School’s Associate Dean from 2011–2019. He has deep experience with the faculty RPT and evaluation processes as well as curricular and budget planning and development. He has participated in the School’s recruitment and retention activities, and is well-prepared to help manage the School’s enrollment growth as well as support the continued growth of its research enterprise. Throughout his service as Associate Dean, Allan maintained a full teaching and advising portfolio and an active research agenda. He has strong relationships with the School’s students, staff, and faculty and has played an important role in RSENR’s diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

Please join me in congratulating Allan on this appointment and in wishing Nancy all the best in her new role. In lieu of a university-wide reception, Nancy will share, via university-wide email, a video farewell on May 12, where she will invite colleagues and friends to contribute to an Environmental and Climate Justice Equity Fund in the Rubenstein School.

Warm regards,
Patty