Applauding Michael Palis' Service as Interim Dean

To the Campus Community

When Interim Dean Michael Palis returns to the faculty on July 1, he will have led the Faculty of Arts and Sciences for more than two years. During that time, the College of Arts and Sciences, University College, and the Graduate School have enjoyed significant success, continued momentum, and transformational change.

He has been an outstanding dean and noteworthy leader of the campus’ largest academic unit. During his tenure, our graduate program offerings have expanded. Rutgers–Camden launched a master of fine arts (MFA) program in creative writing, which swiftly is establishing a national reputation.  Our Ph.D. programs in public affairs and computational and integrative biology advanced and are preparing to recruit students. A national search for a scholar to fill Rutgers–Camden’s first endowed chair, the Joseph and Loretta Lopez Endowed Professorship in Mathematics in Honor of Professor Leonard Bidwell, has been completed successfully. The master of physical therapy program, offered jointly with UMDNJ, transitioned smoothly to a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) program, the new industry standard.  Finally, a new master’s program in computer science debuted last fall.

Undergraduate education in the arts and sciences also enjoyed growth.  Under Dean Palis’ active leadership, the nursing program developed a new curriculum to transform itself into a comprehensive, four-year program while retaining its traditional upper-division option for transfer students. A program to help practicing registered nurses earn their bachelor of science degrees in nursing has been developed and will welcome its first students this fall, and the School Nurse Certification Program has been revitalized. All of these efforts will position Rutgers–Camden to better serve both our students and our state.

In addition, new undergraduate minors in media studies and national security, intelligence, and counter terrorism studies, as well as an undergraduate concentration in early childhood education, debuted during the past fall.

All of these initiatives were established to promote enrollment growth, including off campus:  during the past two years, undergraduate Rutgers–Camden programs in political science, psychology, and criminal justice were launched at Atlantic Cape Community College. Through such efforts, Dean Palis and the CFAS faculty and staff contributed greatly to the overall campus enrollment increased during the past year, and our efforts to produce yet another increase for fall 2009.

In response to our student requests, Dean Palis took a stand on behalf of our military veterans when he endorsed University College’s application to become a Servicemembers Opportunity College.  We are optimistic that the application will be approved in time for the fall semester.

As important as the programmatic development is Dean Palis’ leadership style.  His thoughtful and collaborative approach with academic and administrative units alike has allowed the CFAS community to advance during difficult economic times.

Dean Palis will return to the computer science faculty on June 30, where he will continue to pursue his research and teaching passions. His commitment to Rutgers–Camden has advanced our entire campus, and we owe him our deepest gratitude.  Please join me in thanking Dr. Palis for his exceptional service and outstanding leadership as interim dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

Margaret Marsh

Interim Chancellor