Friday, February 11, 2011
University appoints dean of College of Liberal Arts
Michael Aakhus
Contact for more information:
Todd Wilson Assistant Vice President Marketing/Communications 812/464-1755 "This is wonderful news for USI, said Dr. Rochon. "Michael is respected by faculty peers, national and international artists, and individuals throughout our community. He has shown great leadership in the College of Liberal Arts." Aakhus had been associate dean of the college for five years before being appointed interim dean in 2010 when Dean David Glassman took a position at another university. Throughout his career, Aakhus has served on numerous University committees and been active in community organizations at local, state, and national levels. Aakhus currently is on the Endeavor Committee for faculty and student research, the Academic Planning Council, the Academic Affairs Council, and the Graduate Programs Committee and the Executive Committee for the College of Liberal Arts. He is a member of the Center for Communal Studies Board of Directors, the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana Board of Directors, and the Art for Life Committee of the AIDS Resource Group in Evansville. Known as a scholar of ancient art of Mexico and a Maya expert, Aakhus regularly leads study trips to Mexico and Central America. His own art, represented in public and private art collections throughout the United States and abroad, has been displayed at invitational and juried exhibitions since 1975. He was named the 2009 Artist of the Year by the Arts Council of Southwestern Indiana. Aakhus earned the Master of Fine Arts degree at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and holds an undergraduate degree from Bemidji State University. "I am honored to have been selected to serve as dean of the College of Liberal Arts," Aakhus said. "Above all, I value the foundations of academic life which support teaching, scholarship, creative work, and service to the University and community. The college has a great team and as we move forward our agenda, I look forward to working with such exceptional people to shape the future. "Throughout the community, region, and state, the University of Southern Indiana has established a reputation for dedication to student learning and engagement, quality programs, and effective use of resources," Aakhus added. "We are a young institution with a history of phenomenal growth and innovation, led by a dynamic, optimistic, and creative team. The University is at a crucial and exciting moment in its development, as it moves from state and regional recognition to status in the national and international arena." The appointment of Aakhus as dean was the result of a national search, Dr. Rochon said. |
Copyright © 2013 University of Southern Indiana. All rights reserved.
