Michael Wasylenko announces plans to conclude term as senior associate dean 

After 13 years of dedicated service as senior associate dean, Dr. Michael J. Wasylenko on Friday announced his intention to conclude his administrative service in the Dean’s Office of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. Wasylenko will step down from this role effective December 31, 2016, and will continue to teach and conduct research in his roles as professor of economics and senior research associate of the Center for Policy Research. He will also continue to serve the dean as a strategic adviser.

“Mike has been a remarkably dedicated member of the Maxwell community for more than 30 years,” says Dean David M. Van Slyke.  “Few, if any, know more about our School or have taught, assisted and supported more of our students, alumni, faculty and staff. Generations of faculty and students have and will continue to benefit from his tireless work and citizenship.”

Wasylenko’s deep connection to Maxwell began as a student, when he earned his master’s and then his PhD from the School in 1975. He returned as associate professor in 1984 and over the next three decades went on to assume increasing levels of responsibility: director of graduate studies, professor of economics, associate director of Metropolitan Studies Program, chair of the Economics Department, associate dean, senior associate dean and interim dean of the Maxwell School.

“Mike has given his all to Maxwell for more than three decades,” adds University Professor and Dean Emeritus John Palmer, “including during his six years of extraordinary service to me as an associate dean. No one has worked harder, or with more competence, to advance the interests of the School and University.”

In 2011, in recognition of Wasylenko’s dedication and service and in particular to honor his work as interim dean during the 2010-11 year, members of the School’s Advisory Board, faculty, and other supporters contributed more than $250,000 to endow the Michael J. Wasylenko Endowed Faculty Fund that supports faculty research across all departments and programs in the School.

“It has been a rewarding experience to help lead the Maxwell School under the leadership of the last four deans,” says Wasylenko. “I am proud to have graduated from the School and to have worked here with so many generous and talented people.”

New Administrative Leadership Roles Created, Associate Deans Named

Upon reviewing the many responsibilities within the portfolio of the senior associate dean, Dean Van Slyke announced plans to establish two administrative positions in the Maxwell School to lead these activities going forward. 

After wide consultation with faculty and staff, Dean Van Slyke has appointed Carol Faulkner, professor of history, Maxwell Tenth Decade Scholar, former chair of the History Department, and interim chair of Maxwell’s Citizenship and Civic Engagement Program, to serve as associate dean for academic affairs and Andrew S. London, professor of sociology, Maxwell Tenth Decade Scholar, director of graduate studies and former chair of the Sociology Department, to serve as associate dean for finance and administration. 

As associate dean for academic affairs, Faulker will have lead responsibility for graduate and undergraduate student affairs, academic integrity (graduate only), graduate and undergraduate curriculum proposals, coordination of joint and interdisciplinary programs, assessment of academic programs, and the School’s academic strategic plan as well as its components in individual units.

As associate dean for finance and administration, London will oversee the School’s financial and budget operations, inclusive of graduate student funding, human resources related to School and department staffing levels, staff personnel matters, facilities and space administration, information and computing technology, career services, and research.

Faulkner and London will assume these roles on January 1, 2017, and will serve three-year terms.  They will also continue to teach during this time.

Van Slyke noted, “As I looked to our current faculty leadership and spoke with dozens of members of the faculty and staff, it was clear to me that Carol and Andrew have the qualities that our team needs at this time.  I am pleased they are enthusiastic to serve in these very important positions for our School.  Their wide views across our School and their deep relationships with our faculty, staff and students will be a great benefit to our work going forward.”

09/23/16