Anne McCall, the dean of Harpur College of Arts and Sciences, will be leaving Binghamton University at the end of the spring 2016 semester. She will assume the role of provost at Xavier University in New Orleans after she officially departs from BU at the end of June.

McCall held the position of dean for three years. After her departure, an interim dean will be appointed by BU Provost Donald Nieman. According to Nieman, he will select the interim dean with input from Harpur College department heads and the chosen candidate will begin immediately.

“I have met with Harpur College Department chairs to discuss the qualities they are looking for in an interim dean,” Nieman wrote in an email. “I have also asked for nominations from Harpur College faculty and have had a large number of nominations. I will select the interim dean from this group.”

According to Nieman, the University plans to conduct an aggressive national search for a permanent dean in order to find the most qualified replacement. In fall 2016, Nieman will appoint a search committee which will consist of students, staff, faculty and alumni. There is not a complete timetable in place for the selection process currently, but Nieman intends to bring the candidates to BU for interviews before he and President Harvey Stenger make a final decision based on the committee’s advice.

“I will also retain an executive search firm to help us identify outstanding candidates and encourage them to apply,” Nieman wrote. “The best candidates may be those who aren’t looking for a job and need to be persuaded to apply.”

Nieman’s selection criteria are broad in scope and focus on the University’s Road Map plan, which is BU’s long-term guide for strategic growth. In addition to having a deep understanding of the needs of a liberal arts and sciences program, Nieman believes the ideal candidate also has experience in academic administration positions.

“We will also be looking for someone who has a collaborative approach to leadership,” Nieman wrote. “Understands and values diversity, is committed to student and faculty success, has experience in private fundraising, and can help Harpur increase its strength in research.”

McCall officially begins her new job at Xavier University on July 1. Prior to her time at BU, she received her undergraduate degree in French and German from the University of Virginia and her Ph.D. from the Université de Strasbourg in French literature. She also served as associate dean of the School of Liberal Arts at Tulane University from 2005 to 2008 and as the dean of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Denver from 2008 to 2013.

She expressed gratitude for her experience at BU, praising the caliber of BU’s students and faculty.

“Harpur College students are exceptional in their curiosity and drive,” McCall wrote in an email. “It has been a privilege working with faculty, staff, and student representatives to sustain and create new opportunities for them.”