UST is experiencing organizational shifts as many faculty members will take on new positions within their departments.

Dr. Jean-Philippe Faletta, associate professor of political science and director of UST’s service learning program, has been named the Quality Enhancement Plan director.

The QEP consists of the freshmen learning community by way of paired courses and the Odyssey course. The director oversees and implements the program. Responsibilities include serving as a member of the QEP team, coordinating faculty development opportunities as they relate to components of the program and drafting and integrating annual outcome assessments and accountability reports for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

“Dr. Faletta was on the initial team that designed the original QEP project,” Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. John Hittinger said. “He brings an enthusiasm to the project and a commitment to our students.”

In his new position as QEP director, Dr. Faletta will replace Dr. Shelia Waggoner, professor of mathematics, who has recently been appointed chair of the mathematics department. Dr. Waggoner will begin her tenure as chair in June 2008.

“Dr. Waggoner is a preeminent mathematics professor and a dedicated and proven leader,” said Dean of Arts and Sciences Dr. Dominic Aquila. “I look forward to working with her to advance the great work of Dr. Michael Colvin to a new degree of excellence.”

In addition, Dr. Randall Smith, associate professor of theology and chair of the curriculum committee, has been named coordinator of the Odyssey program for the 2008-09 school year.

“Dr. Smith is a superb course organizer who is deeply committed to students and liberal education,” Dr. Hittinger said.

Dr. Kerry MacArthur, associate professor of English, has returned from sabbatical, retaining his duties as chair. Dr. Clinton Brand, associate professor of English, was acting chair of English during Dr. MacArthur’s sabbatical. He will remain in his current position as associate professor.

“I am very grateful to Dr. Brand for his conscientious leadership of the department of English during Dr. MacArthur’s sabbatical in the fall 2007 semester,” Dean Aquila said.

In addition to these recent shifts, Dr. John Palasota, associate professor of chemistry, has been promoted from assistant dean of Arts and Sciences to associate dean of Arts and Sciences.

“Dr. Palasota is a gifted professor and a natural leader,” Dean Aquila said. “His new post as Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences will provide him with a wider latitude to exercise leadership.”

Finally, two professors will remain in their positions as endowed chairs. Dr. Gustavo Wensjoe, associate professor and director of the Center for International Studies, has been reappointed to the Cullen Trust for Higher Education/Fayez Sarofim Chair in International Studies. The Cullen Foundation Chair in Economics, held by Dr. Javed Ashraf, professor of economics and finance, has been extended for one year.