 "Photo: Submitted Photo")
Effective July 1, 2008 Dean Cheryl Achterberg will become the new dean for the College of Education and Human Ecology at Ohio State. She will also serve as a professor in the department of human nutrition.
Achterberg earned a bachelor's degree in biological sciences at California Polytechnic State University, a master's in human development at the University of Maine, and a doctorate in nutrition at Cornell University. Achterberg has most recently served as the inaugural dean of Iowa State University's College of Human Sciences
The College of Education and Human Ecology is in its infancy, having only merged about a year ago. According to Provost Joe Alutto, Achterberg's previous experience with the merger of two separate colleges will help her lead the college effectively.
"This is a college we think is on the move as a result of the merger," Alutto said. He said her energy will be one of the largest assets she brings to OSU.
Alutto said working with faculty from two separate disciplines can create a slightly different culture, a culture with which Achterberg has had experience.
"I think she showed decisiveness, which is very important." Alutto said.
Her research has received significant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the March of Dimes, the National Dairy Council, the H. J. Heinz Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and Kraft-General Foods.
The College of Education and Human Ecology is poised to move forward on several major initiatives, Alutto said.
"We had a strong interim dean in Sandra Stroot, and a strong foundation has been laid for Achterberg to build on," Alutto said.
A search committee, chaired by John W. Roberts, dean of the College of Humanities, and appointed by Alutto, conducted a national search for the dean position. The committee was made up of faculty, staff and graduate students as well as external constituency representatives including the superintendent of Columbus City Schools.
Caitlin Coyle can be reached at coyle.46@osu.edu.
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