Along with the students in the University's School of Continuing and Professional Studies, Lynda Phillips-Madson is looking for new career challenges as she steps into the role of interim dean of the SCPS.
Phillips-Madson, who previously held the position of associate dean for academic affairs, officially took on her new job Saturday.
Phillips-Madson was appointed to the position to fill the vacancy left by departing dean Sondra Stallard, according to University Provost Arthur Garson.
"What we look for in interim deans are superb leaders who understand the direction that the previous dean was taking," he said.
According to Garson, Phillips-Madson meets this criterion because of her significant knowledge of SCPS along with her work with Stallard. This will allow Phillips-Madson to continue several of the initiatives begun in recent years.
University spokesperson Jeff Hanna also commented on Phillips-Madson's experience and elaborated on her passion for adult education. The SCPS focuses on undergraduate and graduate education for adults at the University and its satellite campuses, making it a suitable environment for Phillips-Madson's talents.
"Her experience makes her an excellent choice, and she will continue the school's critical roles of providing access for adult learners who want a strong academic experience just by virtue of what she has said about her excitement at watching students receive their degrees," Hanna said. "It's clear that she takes personal pride in the success stories that can be found in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies."
Phillips-Madson also expressed her enthusiasm for her new role and the Stallard's work as dean.
"I am delighted to serve as interim dean of the School of Continuing and Professional Studies," Phillips-Madson stated in a University press release. "Sondra Stallard was a true champion at U.Va. for equity and access. As dean of SCPS she was determined to see that adult students would have not only access, but true opportunity and a rigorous academic experience."
In selecting a permanent dean for SCPS, Garson said he is required as provost to create a national search committee, the selection of which must be approved by University President John T. Casteen, III.
Garson said the University is looking to appoint a permanent dean by the summer or fall semesters of 2008.
According to Garson, Stallard will also play a key role in providing recommendations for this permanent position to Casteen and Garson.
In addition to seeing Stallard leave, the University has seen the turnover of several other key faculty positions, including former Provost Gene Block, former College Dean Ed Ayers, former Education School Dean David Breneman and former Dean of Students Penny Rue in the past year.
When asked if the University community should be concerned about the multitude of recent position changes, Garson said there is no overarching reason for the departures.
"I think the answer is that every one of these people has a great reason for doing what they're doing and every one of their [reasons] is different," he said.
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