Interim deans announced

Dr. Peter Heckman,
Interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts

Dr. Peter Heckman, Interim Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Professor of Philosophy, has had this position since last June. Heckman said that the announcement just meant that Ohles is, “keeping me around for another year.”
A big change for Heckman is that he will no longer teach philosophy after the conclusion of this semester. He said, “Teaching philosophy is calming. I look forward to that time, an island in the week.”
“I like reading philosophy books, people that write philosophy books are usually super smart. It’s nice being in their presence.”
Heckman also said that he will miss talking with students and helping them grow academically. Though he will still advise some of his LAS students, Heckman will now mainly focus on “dealing with students who have problems.”
Students will seek advice or signatures from Heckman for various reasons. Some include suspension, withdrawing from all classes, problems with faculty members or grade appeal.
Heckman described his role as an “interface between administration and faculty, faculty and parents and sometimes between faculty and students.”
Right now Heckman said that there is much to be done. He is currently in the process of interviewing candidates for six teaching positions on campus: one theatre professor, two biology professors, one communication professor, one exercise science professor and one English professor.

Geri Cotter,
Interim Dean of Students

For Geri Cotter, Director of the Career and Counseling Center, the change came as more of a surprise. “I am very excited about this position but it wasn’t anything I had expected,” said Cotter.
Cotter said that she had a meeting with Ohles where they discussed possibilities for implementing the overall changes into the NWU administration. At that time, Ohles and Cotter felt that it would be best if the new Provost were part of the hiring process for the newly created Dean position. A week and a half later, it was announced that Cotter would serve as the Interim Dean of Students.
The position will take effect May 19, the day after the retirement of Dr. Sara Boatman, Vice President for Student Life and Campus Community.
Cotter will be leaving her responsibilities at the Career Center.
At the time of the interview, it was unclear as to who would fill the position of Director, but Cotter said that the center’s services would still be offered in full capacity.
Along with Heckman, the responsibilities for Cotter’s position are uncertain. She knows that many of the daily activities will be similar to the responsibilities Boatman currently has. To gain a better understanding of her responsibilities, Cotter is spending a considerable amount of time with Boatman “to become more familiar” with the position.
One thing is certain for Cotter: she is excited to interact with students more often.
“Student interaction is such a major part of what I do now. I intend to continue that; it just won’t be one-on-one, it will be more with student life,” said Cotter