August 29, 2003 Volume 19, Number 2

Helm Named Interim Dean of College of Arts and Sciences

Thomas Helm, director of the Illinois Centennial Honors College, has been named interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Western, effective immediately.

"Dr. Helm is a superb choice to lead the College of Arts and Sciences during this academic year," said Provost Joseph Rallo. "He brings outstanding academic credentials, strong administrative experience as director of the Illinois Centennial Honors College, and an enviable reputation for having a studentcentered outlook. I thank the search committee for their hard work and look forward to working with Dr. Helm and college faculty and staff in the coming months."

Helm replaces Phyllis FarleyRippey who will return to the faculty in the department of political science. Helm's appointment is for the current academic year during which time a national search will be conducted for a permanent dean.

A member of the Western faculty since 1974, Helm is a professor of philosophy and religious studies. He was named head of the Honors Program in 1998 after serving a year as acting director. He had served as associate director and has been associated with the program since its inception in 1983.

In 1994 Helm was the Western Faculty Lecturer and has been the recipient of the College of Arts and Sciences outstanding service award. He received his doctorate from the University of Chicago, and he also holds degrees from Earlham College and Harvard University. He has written more than 60 articles, reviews and professional papers and a book on the history of Christianity.

Martin Dupuis, associate director of the Honors College and associate professor of political science will serve as interim director of the Illinois Centennial Honors College during Helm's tenure as interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Susan Martinelli-Fernandez, associate professor of philosophy and religious studies will be interim associate director of the Honors College.