Badia and Friedman chosen as first deans of new colleges at Purdue Fort Wayne

FORT WAYNE, Ind.—Purdue University Fort Wayne is turning to established members of its faculty to serve as the founding deans of its new College of Liberal Arts and College of Science.

Janet Badia, professor and director of women’s studies, has been selected as the founding dean of the College of Liberal Arts. Ronald Friedman, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and longtime chair of the Department of Chemistry, has been selected as the founding dean of the College of Science.

Both appointments are for an initial three-year term and begin July 1 when Purdue Fort Wayne’s new academic organizational structure announced in February goes into effect. Its most significant change involves the split of the existing College of Arts and Sciences into the two new colleges focused on liberal arts and science, respectively.

“I would like to express my appreciation for Janet and Ron’s willingness to lead during this challenging time and I have every confidence in the success of our two new colleges,” said Carl Drummond, vice chancellor for academic affairs. “I also extend thanks to the two search committees, chaired by Ann Livschiz and Melissa Gruys, as well as the College of Liberal Arts and College of Science transition teams, chaired by Christine Erickson and Carol Lawton. The efforts of these and many other individuals have helped lay a strong foundation for this important step forward at Purdue Fort Wayne.”

Visit pfw.edu and click on the Academics tab to learn more about these and other colleges, schools, departments, and programs at Purdue Fort Wayne.

For additional information, contact Geoff Thomas at [email protected] or 260-437-7657 (mobile).

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