Proposed split of College of Arts and Sciences passes

The split of the College of Arts and Sciences that was approved by the Texas A&M Board of Regents on Feb. 4 will be effective as of April 4, according to a press release from Provost Dr. Larry Lemanski. Interim deans currently head the two new colleges, the College of Science, Engineering and Agriculture (CSEA) and the College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts (CHSSA), while the university conducts a national search for permanent deans. The two search committees, chaired by Dean Dr. Hal Langford and Dean Dr. Brent Mangus, are being formed.

"The new structure enhances the university's ability to effectively deliver on its mission of transforming lives through higher education," A&M-Commerce President Dr. Dan Jones said. "The unqualified endorsements of the Board of Regents and Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board clearly indicate that the time was right for this change to occur."

Former Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Dr. Salvatore Attardo will serve as interim dean for the College of Humanities, Social Sciences and Arts while Dr. Jerry Parish will serve as interim dean for the College of Sciences, Engineering and Agriculture.

"Dr. Attardo and Dr. Parish will bring the expertise, experience and leadership needed for the transition of these two new colleges to independent status," Lemanski said. "Please join with me in congratulating our Interim Deans."

According to the release, the new colleges will begin to function separately on June 1 and will have separate budgets as of Sept. 1. No  timetable was mentioned for the committees to select new deans.