Stein to head social sciences

---

by Joy Williamson

---

Political Science Professor Robert Stein has been named dean of the Department of Social Sciences. Stein has been acting dean since July 1. Political Science Professor and Search Committee Chair Rick Wilson said the committee was "extremely happy with the choice."

"Generally, candidates are chosen from outside Rice, so the most rewarding part is that my selection was based on an evaluation of my performance," Stein said. He said the committee agreed with his "tastes and preferences for the department."

According to Stein, the dean is responsible for all aspects of the five academic departments within the social sciences division, including the budget, faculty appointments and tenure, the physical space and the relationship with the James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy. Stein said the Social Sciences Department has 64 faculty members.

"A lot will be happening [soon], all for the better ... The Baker [Institute] building will be going up, and we are still developing our relationship with the Institute," Stein said.

Stein hopes to integrate the cognate studies programs, which includes the managerial studies program, with the Baker Institute and to "do more" with the interdepartmental cognitive sciences program.

One of the concerns Stein expressed was that few students preregistered for the alternatives to the now eliminated foundation requirements.

"One of the things we've done this year was revamp the general education requirement, and the social sciences foundation course will not be offered next year. Students should pay attention to the other course offered that will fulfill the requirement," Stein said.

The appointment comes after a seven-month national search. Wilson said the committee looked at about 65 candidates. The committee then interviewed Stein and five candidates from outside Rice, sending three names to Provost David Auston. According to Wilson, Auston and President Malcolm Gillis made the final decision.

Wilson said the committee was "very proud of our recommendations. We had extremely good people to choose from."

Wilson said the committee "had good representation across the divisions, and the students did a fine job."

The search committee included Economics Professor Peter Hartley, Psychology Professor Randi Martin, Anthropology Professor Nia Georges, Sociology Chair Chandler Davidson, Political Science Professor Richard Stoll, Jones School Professor Karen Schnietz, Sid Richardson College senior Jason Ciarochi and economics graduate student Jose-Luis Negrin-Muñoz.

This item appeared in the News section of the April 12, 1996 issue.

Copyright © 1996 The Rice Thresher. All Rights Reserved.
This document may be distributed electronically, provided that it is distributed in its entirety and includes this notice. However, it cannot be reprinted without the express written permission of:
The Rice Thresher, Rice University, 6100 Main, Houston, TX 77005-1892, USA.