2008 Woodie Awards
Another interim dean for Arts and Sciences
Economics professor Karen Vorst takes reins
Danny Mathis
Issue date: 1/9/06 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Dr. Karen Vorst is now interim dean of UMKC's College of Arts and Sciences, Interim Provost Bruce Bubacz announced in a Dec. 21 campus-wide e-mail. The announcement came days after an e-mail announcing Dr. Charles Wurrey was stepping down because of health-related issues.
Taking leadership over the largest college at UMKC is no small task, especially considering the fact that Vorst is the third dean in the past six months.
Dr. Bryan LeBeau was the last permanent dean. However, in LeBeau's commencement speech to the 2003 graduating class, he borrowed material from Cornel West, now a professor at Princeton, and Russell Baker without giving proper citation.
As reported at the beginning of the fall semester by the University News, LeBeau had his salary readjusted and was asked to step down from his position during further review. LeBeau did not seek reinstatement as dean.
LeBeau was followed by interim dean Charles Wurrey, a distinguished professor of chemistry. Wurrey held the position dean during fall semester 2005. He then stepped down in December because of health-related issues.
Dr. Stephen Lehmkule, interim chancellor at the time, had considerable faith in Wurrey and his ability to lead the department. Dr. Bruce Bubacz echoed this in his e-mail announcing Wurrey's resignation.
"In keeping with his many years as a dedicated teacher, researcher and leader at the university, Dr. Wurrey agreed to take on the role of Interim Dean during a difficult time. Everyone at UMKC is deeply grateful for the contribution that Dr. Wurrey has made throughout his career and, especially, over the last several months," said Bruce Bubacz in a mass e-mail. "A new Interim Dean will be appointed after Dr. Bailey and I have had the opportunity to confer with the leadership and other important constituencies of the college."
Vorst, the newest dean, has a considerable history at UMKC among her years of scholarly pursuit. She first arrived in 1980 after receiving her Ph.D. in economics. She has steadily been promoted ever since. She was made an associate professor in 1987 and then granted full professorship in 1998.
Vorst is also a Fulbright Scholar in East/Central Europe.
"This is a highly unusual situation for the college," said Vorst. "While it may look like there is a lot of uncertainty because of the number of changes we've seen lately, my predecessors had the College headed in a positive direction and I am hoping to continue their momentum."
Vorst also expressed mixed feelings about accepting the position of interim dean.
"I regret having to give up teaching and stepping back from my advising duties for this semester," Vorst said. "Interacting with students is one of the real pleasures of being a professor."
Hopefully Vorst will bring continued stability while interim dean.
A search for a permanent dean is underway. Chancellor Guy Bailey said he hopes to fill the position in the next few months.
dmathis@unews.com
Taking leadership over the largest college at UMKC is no small task, especially considering the fact that Vorst is the third dean in the past six months.
Dr. Bryan LeBeau was the last permanent dean. However, in LeBeau's commencement speech to the 2003 graduating class, he borrowed material from Cornel West, now a professor at Princeton, and Russell Baker without giving proper citation.
As reported at the beginning of the fall semester by the University News, LeBeau had his salary readjusted and was asked to step down from his position during further review. LeBeau did not seek reinstatement as dean.
LeBeau was followed by interim dean Charles Wurrey, a distinguished professor of chemistry. Wurrey held the position dean during fall semester 2005. He then stepped down in December because of health-related issues.
Dr. Stephen Lehmkule, interim chancellor at the time, had considerable faith in Wurrey and his ability to lead the department. Dr. Bruce Bubacz echoed this in his e-mail announcing Wurrey's resignation.
"In keeping with his many years as a dedicated teacher, researcher and leader at the university, Dr. Wurrey agreed to take on the role of Interim Dean during a difficult time. Everyone at UMKC is deeply grateful for the contribution that Dr. Wurrey has made throughout his career and, especially, over the last several months," said Bruce Bubacz in a mass e-mail. "A new Interim Dean will be appointed after Dr. Bailey and I have had the opportunity to confer with the leadership and other important constituencies of the college."
Vorst, the newest dean, has a considerable history at UMKC among her years of scholarly pursuit. She first arrived in 1980 after receiving her Ph.D. in economics. She has steadily been promoted ever since. She was made an associate professor in 1987 and then granted full professorship in 1998.
Vorst is also a Fulbright Scholar in East/Central Europe.
"This is a highly unusual situation for the college," said Vorst. "While it may look like there is a lot of uncertainty because of the number of changes we've seen lately, my predecessors had the College headed in a positive direction and I am hoping to continue their momentum."
Vorst also expressed mixed feelings about accepting the position of interim dean.
"I regret having to give up teaching and stepping back from my advising duties for this semester," Vorst said. "Interacting with students is one of the real pleasures of being a professor."
Hopefully Vorst will bring continued stability while interim dean.
A search for a permanent dean is underway. Chancellor Guy Bailey said he hopes to fill the position in the next few months.
dmathis@unews.com
