Department head accepts job in Washington
In January, biology department head Daryll DeWald will begin an appointment as dean of the College of Sciences at Washington State University in Pullman, Wash.
DeWald was selected through a national search process.
I will greatly miss my colleagues and the terrific students Iive had the privilege of working with,he said. There is definitely a sadness in leaving. This has been a great place to work and I have a lot of close professional relationships here. There’s a little bit of a grieving process to go through.
During his time at USU, DeWald has managed more than $3 million in research funding for both undergraduate and graduate students.
DeWald said he and his students study breast cancer metastasis and plant stress physiology.
They seem different, but it’s all about cell signalling and intracellular communication, he said.
Before he was appointed as department head, DeWald served as associate director of the Center for Integrated BioSystems, director of the Multicultural Student Research Program, co-director of the Multicultural Scholars Program and director of USU’s microscopy program.
In 2009, under DeWald’s direction, the biology department was awarded the university’s Department Teaching Excellence award. This awarded honored the department for its approach to teaching, providing research opportunities, and helping students prepare for admission to competitive graduate programs.
As dean of the College of Sciences, DeWald said he will be responsible for the final oversight for education and research in the college. He will be serving over three departments and two schools.
In a statement at Washington State, Warwick Bayly, WSU provost and executive vice president, said: I am thrilled that Dr. DeWald has agreed to serve as the next dean of our great College of Sciences. He is a great fit for our faculty and staff and the college’s programs as it looks toward the future.
DeWalt said that although it is sad to leave USU, he is excited about starting at WSU.
I am excited to be working with colleagues in the College of Sciences to expand their research and teaching enterprises,he said.
I have loved my time at USU,he said. It is a collegial and productive environment. Iive really appreciated that.
Daryll has served his department, the college and Utah State University well, said Jim MacMahon, dean of USU’s College of Science. He is a fine leader and facilitator who works hard to allow others to lead the life of the mind. I am confident he will do well in his new assignment. Everyone in the College of Science wishes him well.
-megan.allen@aggiemail.usu.edu