The search for a new permanent College of Liberal Arts and Sciences dean has been extended, giving way for the appointment of an interim dean.

John Dobson, ISU’s associate vice provost for research and associate dean of the Graduate College, has been named interim dean of the LAS college effective July 1.

“I was delighted when the provost named him interim dean,” said George McJimsey, chair of the history department.

McJimsey said he worked with Dobson for several years and that he considers Dobson patient, careful and considerate.

“He will be a very steady hand on the wheel,” McJimsey said.

He added that he thinks Dobson is good at keeping track of a variety of issues and making sound decisions.

Provost John Kozak said the university’s goal is to have candidates for the position on campus in the fall and a new dean in position by January 1999.

Kozak said Richard Hoffmann, associate dean and professor of zoology and genetics, has served as interim dean since former LAS dean Elizabeth Hoffman left ISU in September 1997.

Richard Hoffmann is leaving ISU to accept a position as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Albany, State University of New York. His new appointment begins Aug. 1.

Hoffmann has served as associate dean in the LAS college since 1993.

“I think [Dobson’s] experience in the vice provost for research and advance studies office gave him a good general view and perspective of the college and university,” McJimsey said.

Dobson has been associate vice provost for research and associate dean of the ISU Graduate College since 1991.

Prior to that time, Dobson held various positions in the ISU administration, including assistant vice provost for research and advanced studies in 1990-91 and assistant dean of the Graduate College from 1988-91.

Dobson joined the ISU faculty as an assistant professor of history in 1968.

Dobson completed his undergraduate work at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, receiving a B.S. in physics and history in 1962. He received his M.S. in American History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.