Current Interim LSA Dean Terrence McDonald will be tenured as dean of LSA on July 1st, 2003 pending approval by the Board of Regents.

Peggy Burns, assistant dean of communications and marketing in LSA, said she feels that McDonald was appointed to the 5-year term of LSA dean because he was the best candidate for the job in an extensive search that included candidates from many different schools all over the country.

"The fact that there was such a broad, nationwide, search for the dean clearly indicates that Terrence McDonald is absolutely qualified for the job," Burns said.

Because the deans of all separate colleges within the University report to the provost, Provost Paul Courant undertook the search. However, all provost recommendations require presidential approval, and then confirmation by the Regents for an appointment to take place.

At this point in time, McDonald said he has received approval from the provost and President Mary Sue Coleman.

LSA Associate Dean of Planning and Finance Phil Hanlon said he feels that McDonald was chosen for his unique understanding of the LSA.

"I think Terry brings a lot of strength to the position," Hanlon said. "(McDonald) strongly values the undergraduate education. Also, he has a very keen sense of what the strengths are of the college of LSA," Hanlon added.

McDonald arrived at the University in 1980, after receiving his PhD in American history from Stanford University. His administrative positions include serving as associate dean of LSA from 1995-2000, serving for one semester as interim Chair of the History Department, and serving as interim dean of LSA since July 2002.

According to the press release issued by the University, McDonald has written or edited four books and has received numerous teaching awards for his work as Professor of History.

Rackham student Karen Miller has known McDonald, who has served as her academic advisor, for 10 years and said she feels McDonald "is an excellent diplomat-that is, he is very good at listening to people, and good at figuring out how to coordinate people's needs."

Although McDonald seems to be enjoying widespread support among many members of the faculty, many on the faculty agree that the responsibilities required by the Dean will be no easy task.

"The budget issues will of course be pressing on all of us," Hanlon said. "He'll have to deal with it whether he chooses to or not."

This year the University endured one of the largest state-sanctioned budget cuts in several years, and is looking forward to a further decrease in funding if Governor Jennifer Granholm's proposed budget is adopted by the State Legislature.

"We are dealing with difficulties in the budget, and [McDonald] must face that, and raise money externally," Provost Courant said.

McDonald said he agrees with the many faculty members who feel that his most pressing issue upon assuming the role of dean will be dealing with the tight budget.

"The most important issue facing me will be to maintain our high quality of education in the face of state restrictions," McDonald said.

However, dealing with the state budget is not the only difficult responsibility McDonald will assume if he is confirmed as LSA dean.

"The Dean of LSA manages a budget of $214 million and oversees 1,100 employees," McDonald said. "In addition, 70 percent of all undergrads at the University are in LSA," he added.

Burns said she has little doubt that McDonald can perform to the level of his appointment. "I think his leadership will take [LSA] to new heights," Burns said. "He will expand the top departments of LSA while maintaining the strengths of the all departments."