The College of Arts & Sciences will have a new hierarchy, beginning Tuesday, Sept. 15.  Ron Van Den Bussche has been promoted from his role at Associate Dean for Research in the college to Associate Vice President for Research for the university. 

Van Den Bussche’s departure has created two interim roles within A&S.  Stepping into the role of Associate Dean for Research on an interim basis will be Jeanette Mendez.  While she serves in that capacity, Anthony Brown has agreed to become the Interim Head of the Department of Political Science. 

A veteran of the College of Arts & Sciences, Van Den Bussche has served as Associate Dean for Research since 2006 and has been a part of the OSU faculty since 1995.  He is also a Regents Professor of Zoology. 

Mendez was named Head of the Department of Political Science in 2012, after serving in an interim role during the 2011-12 academic year.  She has served on the OSU faculty since 2005, when she began as a visiting assistant professor. 

Brown is an associate professor of political science and has served in that capacity since 1985.  In 2011 he became the Graduate Program Coordinator of International Projects for Fire & Emergency Management Administration Programs.