WMU News

Trustees approve appointments, retirements, resignations

Sept. 14, 2003

KALAMAZOO -- The appointments of three administrators were approved by the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees at its Sept. 12 meeting. Trustees also approved the retirements of one faculty member and four staff members as well as accepted the resignations of four faculty members and one staff member.

The appointments acted on were the naming of Jane Baas, associate professor of dance, as interim chair of the Department of Dance, effective Aug. 4, 2003, through Dec. 21, 2003, and the previously announced hiring of David Powell as director of operations and assistant dean of the College of Aviation, effective Aug. 25, 2003, and Greg Rosine as vice president for legislative affairs, effective Sept. 8, 2003.

Baas, a faculty member since 1981, previously served as her department's chairperson from 1996 to 2001. She is active in the wider dance community and served for three years on the board of directors of the American College Dance Festival Association. She also has been awarded funding from a number of arts organizations and has held posts in the past as festival coordinator for both the Great Lakes Regional American College Dance Festival and the Midwest Regional American College Dance Festival. Baas, an expert in dance science, kinesiology and conditioning, earned bachelor's and master's degrees from WMU in 1978 and 1980, respectively, and a master's degree in fine arts from Case Western Reserve University.

The lone faculty retirement approved by trustees came with emerita status. The retiree's name, position, years of continuous service and effective date of retirement is: Lovette J. Teichert, master faculty specialist in the Career English Language Center for International Students, 27 years, effective Aug. 31, 2003.

The staff members retiring are: James L. Bero, heavy equipment operator in Landscape Services, 34 1/2 years, effective July 22, 2003; Lyndell R. Bleyer, director of Community Information System and Research Services, 25 1/2 years, effective July 31, 2003; Cynthia A. Maul, custodian in Building, Custodial Support Services, 17 years, effective Sept. 30, 2003; and Mary Ann Vernia, supervisor in Building, Custodial Support Services, 27 years, effective Sept. 30, 2003.

The faculty members resigning are: Dr. Barbara Brotherton, associate professor of art, effective Aug. 3, 2003; Angela C. Counterman, instructor of nursing, effective Aug. 3, 2003; Dr. Cheryle S. Crawford, assistant professor of teaching, learning and leadership, effective July 18, 2003; and Lindsey A. Thomas, professor of dance, effective July 31, 2003.

The staff member resigning is Charles A. DeVries, assistant vice president for legislative affairs, effective Aug. 22, 2003.

Media contact: Jeanne Baron, 269 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu


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