After several faculty members switched positions, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has a new dean of administrative affairs.

Michael Whiteford, former chairman of the anthropology department, took over the position the first day of classes.

He replaced Steve Rodermel, associate dean of research for LAS.

As chairman of the anthropology department, Whiteford was responsible for a variety of things, including recruitment and advising.

“Now my title is associate dean for administration, and I am just beginning to learn what that means,” he said.

Whiteford’s main duties as associate dean will be dealing with budget and personnel matters.

He said the position involves a broad scope of activities, and he is anticipating it to be a diverse and “very exciting operation.”

He said he is looking forward to working with the people in the LAS college office and being part of a team giving guidance to a college that is “the heart and soul of the university.”

Whiteford said one of the biggest challenges he will face this year is dealing with money and budget cuts. He said the cuts will lead to creative solutions of how to “do more with less” without sacrificing quality.

Peter Rabideau, dean of liberal arts and sciences, said the process involved in searching for an associate dean involved several changes within the college.

He said Wolfgang Kliemann, former LAS associate dean of research, left to take a vice provost position. Then Rodermel moved in to fill the research position.

“Well, I’m a scientist,” Rodermel said. “I felt I could best help the office by switching roles.”

This switch left the associate dean of administrative affairs position vacant.

Rabideau said the position needed to be filled before the start of fall classes.

There was an initial open search and interview process with a faculty committee during the summer.

“After that, I met with the committee, and we all agreed that Michael Whiteford was the top candidate,” Rabideau said.

Whiteford’s previous administration experience was a major factor in the committee’s decision to hire him, Rabideau said.

The LAS college includes many departments, and Whiteford’s background in the social sciences brings a balance to the administration, Rabideau said.

“We’re very excited to have him in the office.”

– Steve Rodermel

associate dean of research, liberal arts and sciences

“He fit an open area for us,” Rabideau said.

Rodermel said he enjoyed position duties that allowed him to help the chairs of departments, faculty members and other people in the office.

Rodermel has previously worked with Whiteford on various committees and described him as a “voice of reason.”

“We’re very excited to have him in the office,” Rodermel said.