By: J.D. Ross
(315) 443-3094
Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud has appointed School of Information Studies (iSchool) Dean and Trustee Professor Elizabeth D. Liddy as Interim Vice Chancellor and Provost, replacing Eric Spina who will return to the faculty as a newly appointed Trustee Professor.
The appointments were confirmed by vote of the Syracuse University Board of Trustees’ Executive Committee yesterday, and will be effective on January 1, 2015.
“I am truly honored Chancellor Syverud has asked me to accept this leadership role, and I look forward to engaging my faculty colleagues across campus to enhance the capabilities of the Provost’s Office,” said Liddy. “This is an exciting time to be at Syracuse University. I’m looking forward to leading and supporting the development of the academic Strategic Plan and playing an active role in the next phase of our growth and development.”
Liddy adds that she plans to create a small team of University faculty that will support her and augment the Provost’s Office moving forward. She expects to name and announce that team in the coming days.
“Liz is a most talented and respected dean. I am so pleased she has agreed to step into this critical role,” said Chancellor Syverud. “I believe her entrepreneurial spirit and drive for innovation will be of great benefit to me, my Executive Team, the deans, students, faculty and staff. I look forward to working with Liz and the Office of the Provost to further engage and collaborate with our faculty colleagues across campus as we establish our strategic plan, look to the future and ensure Syracuse University is the best place to teach and learn.”
“The iSchool has benefitted from Liz’s innovative leadership for seven years as Dean and for many years as an exceptional teacher and entrepreneur,” noted iSchool Board of Advisors Chairman Craig Cornelius. “As an iSchool student, graduate, faculty member and dean, she has been a driving force in leading our school to substantial successes. The iSchool's advisory board members are proud and honored that Chancellor Syverud and the University would recognize this and choose her as interim Provost for Syracuse University.”
Professor and Associate Dean Jeffrey Stanton has been appointed Interim Dean of the iSchool.
“I have worked closely with Jeff during my time as Dean and am a very strong believer in his capabilities and dedication to our iSchool,” said Liddy. “I am sure that under his leadership the iSchool will continue on its excellent path of high achievements for our students, our school, and the University.”
Stanton has served in a variety of roles at Syracuse University and the iSchool since 2001, including service as Associate Vice President for Research at the University level. In addition, he serves the wider University community as Chair of the Institutional Review Board and Chair of the Senate Administrative Operations Committee.
He received tenure in 2004 and was promoted to full professor in 2011 based on a sustained record of scholarship: three books, 46 peer reviewed journal articles, dozens of book chapters, and more than 50 refereed conference papers. Stanton has also obtained more than $5.5 million in extramural funding including the NSF’s prestigious CAREER award.
During the 2012-2013 academic year, Stanton was a fellow of the American Council on Education in its emerging leaders fellowship program. During the fellowship, Stanton’s campus placement was in the office of the president at SUNY Cortland where he worked on advancement and student affairs. During the fellowship he was also certified as a campus planner by the Society for College and University Planning. In 2014, Stanton was also selected as a fellow of the Leading Change Institute, co-sponsored by EDUCAUSE and CLIR. Dr. Stanton’s background includes more than a decade of experience in business – both in established firms and start-up companies – where he worked as a software engineer and manager.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as interim dean for the iSchool and to carry on the extraordinary work of Dean Liddy and our talented group of faculty, students, and staff members,” said Stanton. “This is an exciting time for the iSchool, with new vistas of research opening up in the information field and demand for our graduates stronger than ever.”
“We are proud and pleased that Jeff Stanton will lead the iSchool as interim Dean, and we look forward to working closely with him as he assumes his new role,” said Cornelius. “Jeff’s distinguished career as a scholar and teacher, and his substantial experience at the iSchool and the University will continue the legacy of strong leadership for the School.”