College of Science to lose dean
Utah State University College of Science Dean Donald W. Fiesinger recently announced his decision to step down as dean at the end of the 2006-07 academic year.
Fiesinger plans return to the faculty of the college’s department of geology, which he joined in 1976.
“We all owe Dean Fiesinger a great debt of gratitude for his vision, leadership and dedication,” said USU Provost Raymond T. Coward. “He leaves a strong collection of academic departments and centers that are poised for even greater accomplishments in the future.”
Fiesinger served as head of the geology department for 18 years. He was named interim dean in 2000, following the appointment of former dean James MacMahon as vice president for university advancement. He was appointed dean in 2003.
“I greatly appreciate having had this opportunity to lead our college these last six years,” said Fiesinger. “I am very proud of the accomplishments and successes that have been achieved by our faculty and students during this time and I feel very fortunate to have been able to work with such a capable and outstanding group of people.”
USU’s College of Science includes the academic departments of biology, chemistry and biochemistry, computer science, mathematics and statistics, geology and physics. More than 1400 undergraduates and more than 250 graduate and doctoral students are currently enrolled in degree programs administered by the college.
The college counts a Rhodes Scholar, five Goldwater Scholars and a Governor’s Scholar among its recent graduates and students, as well as recipients of the Carnegie Professor of the Year award and the Governor’s Medal for Science and Technology among its faculty and alumni. Three departments, geology, chemistry and biochemistry and physics, have received the university’s Teaching Excellence Award in recent years.
Last year, 80 percent of the college’s applicants to medical school received acceptances, along with nearly 60 percent of the college’s dental school applicants. The national acceptance rate for these professional programs is less than 50 percent.
“Dean Fiesinger has provided visionary leadership for the college and we are deeply grateful for his service,” said USU President Stan Albrecht. “He was a stabilizing and calming voice during tough economic times early in his deanship and because of his guidance the college is well positioned for continued growth and success.”
Coward announced the appointment of USU College of Natural Resources Dean Nat B. Frazer as chair of a national search and screening committee for Fiesinger’s successor. The committee will include faculty, staff, alumni and students from the College of Science.