Musical chairs

Since the resignation of former University President James Duderstadt, the administration has been in a state of change

Lewis chosen as interim dean

When Rackham Dean Nancy Cantor leaves her post to become the University's provost, senior associate Rackham Dean Earl Lewis will fill the office on an interim basis.

"I am delighted that someone of Earl Lewis's caliber can step in to fill the important role of dean of Rackham," President Bollinger said in a statement released yesterday. "He is a highly regarded scholar who will provide strong leadership during this important period.

"I have the greatest admiration for him both personally and professionally," Bollinger said.

Associate Rackham Dean Homer Rose said he is pleased with Bollinger's decision to appoint Lewis as interim dean.

"He's a splendid scholar and a splendid leader," Rose said. "I'm pleased for him and the graduate school."

Rose said that although each individual brings their own unique perspectives to a position, Cantor and Lewis agree on the larger direction of the graduate school, so a "great deal of continuity" can be expected.

In addition to the continuation of the same direction of the Rackham graduate school, Rose said a solid working relationship can be anticipated between Cantor's future office and LewisÕs new Rackham office.

"It's guaranteed that we'll have a cordial and cooperative relationship between Rackham and the provost's office," Rose said.

Associate Rackham Dean Steven Kunkel said Cantor and Lewis share the same principal visions for the graduate school and its relationship with other graduate programs on campus.

"They have very similar philosophies how the graduate school should be run," Kunkel said. "I think the transition will be very smooth to the interim dean."

Rose said predicting whether Lewis, also an Afroamerican and African Studies professor, will be Cantor's permanent replacement is hard to say, but he hopes Lewis will be appointed to the position.

Kunkel said Lewis would be "No. 1 on my list."

"Clearly, he is extremely well qualified to be the next dean of the graduate school," Kunkel said. "He's been here for a year now too, so his feet are firmly planted.

"We'll miss Nancy, but I think Dean Lewis will do a great job," Kunkel said.

Lewis was out of the country and unavailable for comment.

JOE WESTRATE/Daily
Current Rackham Graduate School Dean Nancy Cantor will trade in her Rackham office for a new one. Cantor was selected as the University's new provost.

07-09-97