Chemistry Professor James J. Valentini has been appointed interim Dean of Columbia College and Vice President for Undergraduate Education, filling the positions left by Professor Michele Moody-Adams in August. President Lee Bollinger announced Professor Valentini's appointment in an e-mail to the university community last Friday.
Professor Valentini is currently director of the chemistry Undergraduate Studies Program. He served as department chair from 2005 - 2008. President Bollinger's message also noted Professor Valentini's many other contributions to the university community, including serving as a member of the University Senate and the Presidential Advisory Committee on Diversity Initiatives, Chair of the Arts and Sciences Academic Review Committee, Chair of the College Committee on Science Instruction, a member of the College Committee on Instruction, faculty representative to the Alumni Association Board, and a participant in other groups reviewing curriculum, undergraduate affairs, faculty governance, and tenure.
The search for a permanent Dean of the College and Vice President for Undergraduate Education will continue in the fall.
