Jean Beckman, professor of chemistry, has been named interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Evansville.
Beckman will temporarily fill the position held by Susan Calovini, who had served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences since 2007. Calovini recently became vice president for academic and student affairs and dean of Salem College in North Carolina.
UE Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs John Mosbo will immediately begin a search for the next dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, which comprises nearly 110 full-time faculty members and 15 departments in the fine arts, humanities, sciences, and social sciences.
“We’re thrilled to have someone of Professor Beckman’s skill, experience, and judgment as interim dean,†said UE President Thomas A. Kazee.
Beckman received her undergraduate education from Colby College in Maine, then earned a PhD in organic chemistry from Indiana University in 1977. She joined UE’s Department of Chemistry the following year and was promoted to full professor in 1996. She received the Dean’s Teaching Award in 1997.
Beckman served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences from 2003-07 and interim dean for two years prior. She also has participated in two presidential search committees, as well as University committees including academic strategic planning, a campus capital campaign, general education assessment, and the honors program.
Off campus, Beckman is an active member of First Presbyterian Church and has served on the board of directors for Patchwork Central and the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra.
