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Printer-Friendly ModeSVSU promotes Bachand to vice president of Academic Affairs
Dean of the College of Arts and Behavioral Sciences, at SVSU for 27 years, to take over new post June 30
January 16, 2006 —
Dr. Donald Bachand was promoted last month to replace the retiring Dr. Robert Yien as Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) this summer.
The move was publicly announced Dec. 19 in a letter from SVSU President Eric R. Gilbertson to his colleagues.
"A long nationwide search was undertaken and we eventually narrowed it down to three applicants," Gilbertson said. "Dr. Bachand was hired on the basis of his demonstrated record of accomplishment. We felt he would be best suited to help lead this institution."
Bachand has been at SVSU for 27 years, the last nine of which he has spent as Dean of College of Arts and Behavioral Sciences. He will retain that title until he officially takes over as VPAA June 30.
"The College of Arts and Behavioral Sciences has been the largest and most diverse office on campus for years, I think it should be solid preparation for this even larger position," Bachand said. "It's going to be very challenging, but I'm looking forward to it."
As VPAA, Bachand will be responsible for governing all academic degree programs at the university. He will also supervise the Library and Math Resource Center directors as well as the deans of the five colleges.
SVSU will put a search committee in charge of finding the most appropriate replacement for Bachand's current position as dean of College of Arts and Behavioral Sciences. Later this month, Yien and Bachand will work together to lead a national survey much like the one employed to hire Bachand as VPAA.
They are hoping to hire someone by July 1.
"We will be looking for someone who has broad interests and knowledge in the programs we offer in the college, good organizational skills, good human relations skills, and a strong interest in students," Bachand said. "SVSU does everything in its grasp to provide students with the best possible education in the programs they are committed to; that is our mission statement and that is what I am dedicated to maintaining."