SAS graduate dean to resign at term's end

After 16 years as associate dean of graduate studies in the School of Arts and Sciences, Donald Fitts has decided to step down. Fitts will officially vacate his position at the end of the fall term. He will stay at the University to focus on his teaching and research in the Chemistry Department, he said. "I decided to step down in late August," Fitts said. "I wanted to concentrate on my teaching again." SAS Dean Rosemary Stevens said Fitts will be sorely missed. "I really think that he's been a wonderful influence on Arts and Sciences for many years and a true public servant for Penn," Stevens said. "We shall miss him." As associate dean, Fitts was responsible for admissions, awarding of degrees, and rules and regulations of the University's graduate departments. Stevens said while Fitts' replacement has not yet been chosen, that person will most likely be selected from within the University. She anticipates the decision will be made by early December, before Fitts returns to full-time teaching. She added that Fitts' willingness to remain in the position of associate dean during the administrative transition period has been truly helpful. "I know that he has been looking forward to writing a book," Stevens said. "But I very much appreciate his willingness to see us through this semester in order to take us through the transition of the new administration. "He was integral in all aspects of graduate education," she added. Stevens added that she has placed a letter discussing Fitts' decision in this week's Almanac, to be released tomorrow. During his tenure, Fitts was responsible for making major decisions within the graduate division of the School, including questions of fellowship money and departmental cuts. Last year, Fitts was integral in the decisions to close the American Civilization and Regional Science departments. This year, he was one of the key players in the University's refusal to appoint Economics Professor David Cass to the position of acting Economics graduate chair. Stevens said Fitts' announcement was especially disappointing because she worked very closely with him last semester on the Planning and Priorities Committee. Earlier this year, Associate SAS Dean for Undergraduate Education Matthew Santirocco resigned to take over a deanship at New York University. His replacement, Psychology Professor Robert Rescorla, took over the position in July.