Faculty News Ash Appointed Acting V.P. For Research President Roseann Runte has appointed Robert Ash acting vice president for research, a new position created when the Office of Research and Graduate Studies was split into two departments. The new Office of Research will report directly to the president, while the Office of Graduate Studies will remain within Academic Affairs. Janis Sanchez-Hucles, professor of psychology, was appointed acting associate vice president for graduate studies. Ash joined the Old Dominion faculty as an assistant professor of engineering in 1967 and later was named eminent scholar and eminent professor of aerospace engineering. Most recently, he served as associate vice president for research and graduate studies. The creation of the position indicates the importance attached to the research effort at Old Dominion, according to Runte. It also places greater emphasis on creating a recognized leadership position for research and sponsored programs that spans the entire institution and its partnerships. “Dr. Ash is well-known both in the scholarly community and the region,” Runte said. “He is a talented researcher himself and a strong leader. He will be able to build the bridges needed between the scholarly community and the business and government partners with whom we will be working.” Engineering Dean Resigns William Swart, who served five years as dean of the College of Engineering and Technology, resigned July 31 to become provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at East Carolina University. Oktay Baysal, associate dean of the college, was appointed interim dean. A member of the faculty since 1979, Baysal has served as associate dean since 1999 and is an eminent scholar of aerospace engineering. Under Swart’s leadership, the college experienced exponential growth in such key areas as research expenditures, enrollment, and alumni and corporate support. During his tenure, the college’s enterprise centers, including the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center and the Center for Advanced Engineering Environments, developed and flourished. Swart is also credited with introducing such initiatives as Global Engineering, e-Engineering, Womengineers, and the world’s first Ph.D. program in modeling and simulation.