Mathematics Professor Dennis DeTurck formally assumed his new position as College dean on Jan. 1 -- just over two weeks after being appointed by School of Arts and Sciences Dean Rebecca Bushnell.
As dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, he is responsible for managing the undergraduate division of SAS.
While transitioning into his new role, DeTurck said he plans to concentrate on curriculum changes, undergraduate research opportunities and advising during his tenure.
A priority on DeTurck's agenda this semester will be the revision of the College curriculum, a process with which he has been intimately involved as chairman of the SAS Committee on Undergraduate Education.
"The transition [to College dean] is a real challenge and opportunity to see that through," DeTurck said of the curriculum revision.
DeTurck hopes that CUE will propose a new curriculum by the spring.
Also among DeTurck's goals is the expansion of undergraduate research opportunities -- both in terms of increasing the number of undergraduates who participate in research and broadening the scope of the research.
Additionally, DeTurck said that he is looking to better integrate advising into the curriculum.
As the Evan C. Thompson Professor for Excellence in Teaching, -- an award which recognizes the top teacher in the entire University -- DeTurck is known by many on campus for his commitment to undergraduates.
"He's a fantastic teacher and he loves students," Mathematics Department Chairman Julius Shaneson said."He interacts very well with them."
Piyush Jain -- a former student of DeTurck and a Wharton sophomore -- described DeTurck as "one of those few people who understands how students think."
DeTurck reiterated his dedication to undergraduates.
"One thing that I definitely want to do as dean of the College is be as accessible to students as I possibly can," he said.
"I like working with undergraduates, and this just gives me a chance to work more directly with many more kinds of students," he added.
The search for a new College dean was relatively brief. Bushnell -- who vacated the post to assume her current position -- consulted a number of faculty, administrators and students and said her choice became clear.
"The groundswell of enthusiasm for Professor DeTurck was amazing," Bushnell said. "Professor DeTurck emerged very quickly as the candidate."
Bushnell added that DeTurck's understanding of and passion for undergraduate education particularly impressed her.
Interim Provost Peter Conn also lauded DeTurck's abilities.
"He just continually steps up to do whatever needs to be done, and he does it well," Conn said. "I think he's very, very well-qualified by experience, by inclination, by temperament, by commitment."
DeTurck served as Chairman and Undergraduate Chairman of the Department of Mathematics from 1997 to 2002 after joining the faculty in 1982. The two previous deans had been professors in the humanities.
