years Dr. Diane Jones, vice chancellor for Student Affairs, to retire r. Diane O. Jones, vice chancellor for the Division of Student Affairs, will retire effective June 30. Dr. Jones worked in student affairs at for 34 years, beginning as director of the Career Center. Dr. Jones will leave a legacy as a program builder during a time of rapid enrollment growth and expansion. She said it has been “a good 34 years,” and she thanked her current and former staff. “There is lot of responsibility as an administrator of student affairs, but I’ve had good people working with me who have served long and well,” she said. “My father-in-law (former Chancellor English Jones) told me to surround myself with good people. I’ve had some of the best, and it has made my job easier.” Chancellor Carter praised Dr. Jones as an able and dedicated university leader. “All of us face retirement in our future, but, for me, Dr. Jones’ retirement comes much too soon,” Dr. Carter said. “I will sorely miss her competent leadership and management as well as her thoughtful counsel. D Dr. Mark Canada named dean of the College of Arts & Sciences r. Mark Canada has been named dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. He has served as acting dean since June 2011. Dr. Canada joined the faculty of the Department of English and Theatre in 1997. He was named assistant chair of the department, the university’s largest, in 2008 and chair in 2009. He was appointed to the position of associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in 2010 and named acting dean in 2011. Dr. Kenneth Kitts, provost and vice chancellor for the Office of Academic Affairs, said Dr. Canada has the “experience, vision and values to lead the college. He makes good decisions and is a wonderful ambassador for UNCP. I am very pleased to have him as part of the leadership team in our division.” An outstanding scholar of American literature, he is a popular professor. Dr. Canada was named the recipient of an Outstanding Teacher Award in 2000. In 2008, he won the UNC Board of Governors’ Award for Excellence in Teaching. Spring 2012 D UNCP Today , “Diane has served the university over three decades with style and grace,” the chancellor continued. “I know Diane will continue to be a part of the university after her retirement,” he said. Dr. Jones has served the university continuously from 1977. In 1989, she was appointed director of Student Activities, and in 1993, she was appointed assistant vice chancellor of Student Affairs. She was named vice chancellor in 1999. Dr. Jones said she is proud of many accomplishments. Offices and staff multiplied during her tenure. “I have witnessed many changes in student affairs,” she said. “Besides the growth of facilities, the growth of student programs has been remarkable. “Student housing stands out for me because of the new residence halls with diverse accommodations,” Dr. Jones continued. “UNC Pembroke is a residential university today with many opportunities to provide evening and weekend programming, which is very rewarding.” Expanding programming and building audiences for the arts at Givens Performing Arts Center is another high point for Dr. Jones. “We’ve built a broad-based audience,” Dr. Jones said. Also on Dr. Jones’ short list are the continuing good relations between the university and the Town of Pembroke. Dr. Jones coordinated Pembroke Day and chaired the Town and Gown Committee for many years. To be successful in student affairs, she said takes a great staff that is dedicated to student welfare. “We have that!” Dr. Ramin Maysami named dean of the School of Business D r. Ramin Maysami has been named dean of the School of Business. He was acting dean during the 2011-12 academic year. A faculty member for eight years, Dr. Maysami teaches economics and finance. Previously, he served as chair of the Department of Economics, Finance and Decision Sciences; director of the Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) program, and chair of the Faculty Senate. Dr. Kenneth Kitts, provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs said: “I have enjoyed working with Rami this year,” Kitts said. “He is an energetic and focused leader. I am confident that he can provide the direction necessary for the School to meet its goals and to serve our students well and to provide excellent outreach to our partners in the local business community.” Dr. Maysami said he was delighted to accept his new position and that his role as acting dean inspired him. “I have been acting dean for eight months, and I like the job. I enjoyed the job, and I was good at it, I think,” he said with a smile. “As a successful School of Business, we know what we need to do, and now it’s time to go out and do it.” 9