The interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is ending a 31-year career at Iowa State.

John Dobson joined the ISU faculty as an assistant professor of history, and he has served as interim dean since July 1.

Dobson has accepted a position as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Oklahoma State University. His new appointment begins on Aug. 1.

Taking the position at Oklahoma State is a “good career opportunity,” Dobson said.

He said he decided on Oklahoma State “because the college and university are very similar to ISU,” and he feels he will fit in well there.

Another reason Dobson said he accepted the position was because it is a permanent position as opposed to an interim position.

After a nationwide search, Peter Rabideau was chosen to fill the position of dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Rabideau, who currently is the dean of sciences at Louisiana State University, will begin the position July 1.

Five candidates, including Dobson, were considered for the position.

Provost Richard Seagrave said choosing a person to fill the position as permanent dean of LAS was “a very difficult decision for us to make.”

The fact that Rabideau is a “well-known” organic chemist gave him “an edge over Dobson,” he said.

“I think the fact Rabideau had had a strong record as dean of science at LSU made him a strong candidate,” Seagrave said.

Seagrave said Dobson has made a contribution at ISU.

“He’s been one of the best faculty members and administrators at Iowa State,” he said.

Dobson said he will miss the friends he has made here, both students and faculty.

Dobson’s wife Cindy currently works at Parks Library. She will be relocating to Oklahoma State to work in the sociology department.