Ithaca College

I write to inform the Ithaca College community that Howard Erlich, who has served since 1988 as dean of the School of Humanities and Sciences, has informed me of his intention to retire from that position at the conclusion of the 2007–8 academic year. He will be on sabbatical leave during 2008–9, and will have the opportunity to return to the faculty in the Department of Speech Communication in the fall of 2009.

Under Howard’s deanship, the School of H&S has grown in size, complexity and excellence. In informing me of his retirement decision, Howard reflected on the fact that this year will mark his 20th as dean, and his feeling that this is the right time to plan for new leadership for the school.

President Peggy R. Williams has noted her appreciation for Howard’s leadership on behalf of important campus-wide initiatives such as the Core Experience Task Force, and his work in the greater higher education community as chair of the American Conference of Academic Deans.

We will keep the faculty, staff and students of the School of H&S informed as we develop plans to search for Howard’s successor. In the meantime, I know that the entire campus community joins me in thanking Howard for his service, and wishing him well in his future endeavors.

Kathleen Rountree
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs