Psychology prof appointed College dean

Psychology Professor Robert Rescorla became the new Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences July 1, replacing Matthew Santirocco, who left the University for a position at New York University June 30. School of Arts and Sciences Dean Rosemary Stevens, who selected Rescorla for the position, said that although she consulted faculty members and the Student Committee for Undergraduate Education, "the decision was mine as the dean." "I wanted to make the appointment as strong as possible as we move into the next period of undergraduate education, and Bob Rescorla is just the best," she said. "He's a terrific guy." Psychology Department Chairperson John Sabini praised Steven's choice, calling Rescorla "the perfect person for the job." "He's a first-rate teacher, and a brilliant scientist who cares about nothing so much as undergraduate education," he said. Sabini added that "students will find that he's on [their] side" in potential conflicts between students and faculty members. Stevens said she is particularly enthusiastic about Rescorla's background in psychology. "He brings a very wide-ranging set of academic interests," she said. "Psychology as both a natural and social science is very wide-ranging." Santirocco described his successor as "one of the most distinguished members of the College." He added that Rescorla -- a world-renowned expert on the process of learning -- is a good choice because "it is appropriate that someone with this interest should be College dean." But Rescorla said his psychology background will not prove to be beneficial in his new job, because his expertise lies mainly in the fundamental learning processes. Instead, he added, it is his "no-nonsense approach" and organizational skills which will serve him best as College dean. He said his first projects as dean will be to make more research opportunities available for undergraduates, and to successfully move the College office to Houston Hall from its current location on the mezzanine floor of Mellon Bank. Rescorla will also continue to teach and do research while serving in his new position. Psychology Professor Robert Seyfarth will fill Rescorla's old position. Santirocco announced his plans to leave the University last March.