By Madeline Alvarez, Sports Editor
The search for the new Dean of Arts and Sciences has ended with the school announcing that Director of Institutional Research Lori Steiner has been appointed to the role.
The position was previously held by professor of chemistry David Shubert, who stepped down in September, saying he wanted to focus more on teaching.
Steiner said she was told on Oct. 15 that she had been selected for the position.
“It seems like just a whirlwind,” Steiner said.
Steiner said that, to allow time to find someone to replace her as the Director of Institutional Research, the plan is for her to assume her duties as dean on Jan. 1. If a candidate is selected to fill the position before then, she may be able to step into her role as dean sooner than January.
“We will start the search as soon as we possibly can,” Steiner said.
Steiner was one of five candidates for the position of dean, she said.
“Any one of them would have been great,” Steiner said.
Dean of Education and chair of the committee that recommended the candidates Cameron Carlson said that he is excited that Steiner was chosen.
“I have a tremendous amount of respect for her,” Carlson said. “I’m looking forward to working with Dr. Steiner as a colleague as well. That’s going to be a good fit for our team.”
Steiner said that she does not plan on making immediate changes as Dean of Arts and Sciences but does have a vision for the future.
“My approach would be a shared vision with faculty within the School of Arts and Sciences, and I see my role as being one of services to faculty to help them in any way that I can to be the best faculty member that they can possibly be, to have the best programs that we can possibly have that will meet the needs of future employers, meet the expectations of students, and still align closely with our mission,” Steiner said.
Steiner said she wants to help the university to continue to build on its strengths and to improve in other areas.
“We don’t always market ourselves well,” Steiner said. “We don’t always let others know how great we are. I’d like to see faculty be more involved with that end of things.”
Steiner said she has taught at Newman for 20 years. She first came to Newman as an adjunct professor in 1999, and then became a faculty member in 2001. In addition to her role as the Director of Institutional Research, she also currently serves as an associate professor of mathematics.
Steiner said she believes she's at her best in a position in which she has contact with many people.
“Having worked as Director of Institutional Research, I have been able to have a holistic view of the university….” Steiner said. “I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with staff, administrators, and faculty, and that gives me a unique perspective, I believe, as to how we can come together as an institution, cross silos, work closer with staff and administrators, try to speak with a common voice that goes back to our mission.”
PHOTO: Courtesy Photo, Marie O'Neal
