Professor Perla Myers Named New Associate Dean for Faculty

The College of Arts and Sciences has named Professor Perla Myers as its new Associate Dean for Faculty, effective August 1, 2013. The following is a letter from Dean Norton about Myers appointment.

I am delighted to announce that Dr. Perla Myers will become the next College of Arts and Sciences' Associate Dean for Faculty effective August 1, 2013. Dr. Myers joined the College in 1999 as a faculty member in the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, where she is currently serving as department chair and formerly served as Director of the Mathematics Learning Center.

Dr. Myers is also the co-PI of an ADVANCE grant that aims to improve the recruitment, advancement and retention of women in STEM, and a lifetime member of the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans in the Sciences (SACNAS). Additionally, Dr. Myers has served on many university and college-wide committees, including the Liberal Studies Advisory Council, Experiential Education Committee, Core Planning Committee (2013), Honors Program Committee, and the Executive Committee of the Academic Assembly. Among several internal and external teaching awards, she has been honored with a Woman of Impact Award (2011) and an Innovation in Experiential Education Award (2002). Outside of USD, Dr. Myers is involved in the larger mathematics community and helps to create mathematics education programs and projects.

Those who interviewed Dr. Myers noted that her collaborative and inclusive approach to leadership was important for the College. Her contributions to academic program review, new- faculty mentorship, adjunct mentorship, the LLC program, and diversity and inclusion were all considered among her many strengths.

Dr. Myers participated in a comprehensive internal search process during June 2013. I want to thank those who participated in the search including the College Assistant Deans, Associate Deans, and Dean's support staff, as well as the Co-Chairs of the USD Space Committee, the Director of the Center for Educational Excellence, and the USD LLC Coordinator. They did a wonderful job of ensuring an objective and consistent interview process.

I also would like to thank the other faculty who applied for the position – they did not make the decision easy! All were highly qualified with unique skills and abilities. Their dedication to help move the College forward by participating in the process and sharing hopes and ideas was greatly appreciated.

Please join us in welcoming and congratulating Dr. Myers for her new role in the College!