Record Pace for Faculty Searches, Hires
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The 2008-09 academic year has been a record-breaking one for faculty searches and hires at Boston College, say administrators.More than 40 new faculty members are expected to accept positions at the University for the 2009-10 academic year, according to the Office of the Provost and Dean of Faculties.
BC conducted 56 faculty searches during this academic year, with another 30 planned for 2009-10; combined with searches begun this year that are being continued, administrators say approximately 46 searches altogether will take place next academic year.
Vice Provost for Faculties Patricia DeLeeuw said this intensive focus on identifying and hiring talented faculty members is a key facet of the University’s Strategic Plan.
“Boston College has been increasingly concerned about the aging of its faculty, which is a national issue, so we are working to resolve this,” said DeLeeuw, noting that junior faculty comprise proportionally more of this year’s hires.
At the same time, DeLeeuw adds, the University is bringing a fresh, interdisciplinary perspective to the search and hire process that involves collaborations across departments and programs. Some of the new faculty members will hold joint appointments, she explains: one will be affiliated with the Sociology Department and the Institute on Aging; and two appointments, one in Sociology and one in Economics, are made jointly with the International Studies Program.
“The Strategic Plan embraces and encourages the interdisciplinary approach, so this model of joint appointments will be increasingly important to us,” said DeLeeuw.
Provost and Dean of Faculties Cutberto Garza said, “Faculty excellence is the sine qua non for the University Strategic Plan, excellence being defined by the quality and the number of faculty. Particularly in this economic climate, it is noteworthy that Boston College is committed to maintaining its momentum in this strategic area. Planning and executing so many searches is a significant undertaking.
“I am especially grateful to the deans, department chairs, faculty, and staff who have driven faculty searches this past year and who will undertake searches in the upcoming academic year.”