Union has hired John T. Netland, chairman of the English department, to become dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
The dean of the College of Arts and Sciences position became available in fall 2012 when the former dean Gene Fant phased into the new position of executive vice president for academic administration.
Hunter Baker, associate professor of political science and dean of instruction, has been serving as acting dean of Arts and Sciences since last fall while a search committee performed a nationwide search for a permanent dean.
The College of Arts and Sciences includes the departments of art, biology, chemistry, communication arts, computer science, engineering, English, history, language, mathematics, music, physics, political science and psychology.
Netland said he submitted his application for the new dean position after much prayer and consulting with close friends and family.
The final candidates had daylong interviews with various campus groups, including the Arts and Sciences department chairpersons and council of academic deans, as well as personal interviews with University President David Dockery, Fant and Carla Sanderson, executive vice president for strategic initiatives and provost.
Right before spring break, Dockery announced to faculty that Netland had been hired for the position.
Netland’s responsibilities as dean will include consulting with faculty for new courses, personnel decisions, faculty development and other administrative tasks. He also is involved in mediating any problems that arise within departments such as academic dishonesty or class scheduling conflicts.
“I would see my role as trying to mediate any disputes that come along as very important in a Christian community,” Netland said.
It is too late in the year to conduct a search for his replacement as chairman of the English department, Netland said. For the next year, someone within the department will most likely serve as acting or interim chairman.
“Dr. Netland is one of the most knowledgeable and compassionate professors that I’ve had during my time at Union,” said senior English major Heather Franks. “He encourages students beyond the classroom.
“I can always sit in his office to have a conversation with him about life. Though I know the English department will miss him, he will continue to do great things for Union.”
Netland earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Biola University, a Master of Arts in English from California State Polytechnic University and a Ph.D. in English from the University of California, Los Angeles.
He lives in Jackson with his wife, Tina, who is administrative assistant to Senior Vice President for Student Services and Dean of Students Kimberly Thornbury. They have two adult children, Eric and Stephanie.
