Provost announces new CAS dean

University administrators named Dr. Martin Slann of Pembroke, North Carolina as the new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Slann said he is ready to take on the position and hopes to join the University two to three weeks before his official start date on July 1.

“I’m probably as excited as anyone could get,” he said. “I think it’s a wonderful opportunity.”

Slann visited the campus in February when he introduced himself to faculty and staff via a presentation and question-and-answer session.

During his speech, he promoted synergy with surrounding community colleges, acknowledgement of distinguished professors and an aggressive approach to securing outside funding.

He said the experience affirmed his desire to join the University.

“I was very impressed with the campus, faculty and staff,” he said. “As far as I’m concerned, (I have) no doubts about it. I feel very grateful for the opportunity.”

Slann currently serves as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke.

There, he leads 275 employees and manages a nearly $20 million budget.

Slann said he has also enjoyed teaching at least one class per semester.

In his application letter, he said discussions with his students provide a valuable source of information about the campus and surrounding community.

Associate dean and professor Jennifer McLoud-Mann, who served on the dean-search committee, helped to coordinate the evaluation of applicants.

“With any sort of hire you make at a university, they look at teaching, research and service,” McLoud-Mann said. “With an administrative position, they look at administrative experience as well.”

Following presentations from four finalists, search-committee members presented a recommendation of acceptable candidates to Provost Peter Fos, who made the final selection.

Fos acknowledged the work of Dr. Ken Wink in his announcement.

“I must thank Dr. Ken Wink for serving as interim dean,” Fos said. “He has sacrificed his efforts as department chair to step in and continue to move the college forward.”

Vice Provost Donna Dickerson said Wink would return to his previous position, chairman of the department of social sciences, when Slann arrives this summer.

Dickerson also said Barbara Hart, who currently serves as interim chair of the department of social sciences, would return to her former position as director of criminal justice.

Fos announced last week his intention to leave the University and could not be reached for an additional comment.