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Enyedi is next dean of arts and sciences

May 27, 2010

KALAMAZOO--Dr. Alexander J. Enyedi has been selected to become the next dean of Western Michigan University's largest college, the College of Arts and Sciences.

Enyedi, who is currently senior associate dean of the college and professor of biological sciences, was chosen following a national search launched late last year. In March, he was named one of four finalists for the position. His appointment, effective July 1, was made pending approval by the WMU Board of Trustees.

"Dr. Enyedi has the experience, leadership skills, and faculty and staff support that will make his deanship a success," said Dr. Timothy Greene, provost and vice president for student affairs, in making the announcement. "I'm convinced that his tenure will be a period of incredible growth and productivity for the College of Arts and Sciences."

Enyedi was first named an associate dean of the college in 2004 and has served as senior associate dean since 2008. In his current role, he is responsible for budget, planning, personnel and research.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to serve as the next dean of arts and sciences and to help shape the future direction and vision of the college," Enyedi says. "I look forward to working with our faculty, students, staff, and alumni to enhance our interdisciplinary programs, expand international opportunities for students, develop innovative enrollment management strategies and establish a Center for the Humanities."

A WMU faculty member since 1993, Enyedi served as chair of the Department of Biological Sciences from 2001 until his appointment as associate dean. He is a specialist in plant physiology and an active researcher who has received numerous federal and corporate grants and published 40 journal articles and abstracts on his work. He also was the recipient of the 2000 WMU Alumni Teaching Excellence Award.

He is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Society of Plant Biologists and a number of other professional associations, including the scientific research society Sigma Xi, for which he is past president of the Kalamazoo chapter.

Enyedi came to WMU from Rutgers University's Center for Agricultural Molecular Biology, where he served as a post-doctoral research associate from 1991 to 1993. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees from Canada's University of Guelph in 1981 and 1985, respectively, and a doctoral degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1991.

In his new role at WMU, Enyedi will replace Dr. Thomas Kent, who has served as dean of the college for the past six years. He announced last year that he will step down and return to the faculty this year.

WMU's College of Arts and Sciences is the University's largest degree-granting college. Some 7,500 students are enrolled in degree programs in 26 departments and schools that are part of the college.

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Media contact: Cheryl Roland, (269) 387-8400, cheryl.roland@wmich.edu

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