Vol. 38, No. 18

4-20-2004
By: Karen Patterson

Beck named dean of SBS

Barbara Snyder, interim executive vice president and provost, has asked President Karen Holbrook to recommend the appointment of Paul Beck, currently chair of the Department of Political Science, as dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Subject to approval by the Board of Trustees, the five-year appointment will be effective July 1.

“Under Paul’s leadership, the department consistently has risen in national reputation and was recently ranked fourth in the world by the London School of Economics and Political Science. His research has helped to shape the discipline of political science, and he is considered a national expert on citizens’ political behavior and political parties,” Snyder said.

“Additionally, his knowledge of the university and his previous roles as faculty and administrator make him an ideal person to guide social and behavioral sciences. I am very confident he will be an outstanding leader for the college, as well as an innovative and collaborative dean for the federation of Colleges of the Arts and Sciences of which social and behavioral sciences is a member.”

Beck is the co-author of four books and a number of scholarly articles published in peer-reviewed journals, and his research has been supported by grants from the National Science Foundation and Department of Energy. Beck joined Ohio State’s faculty in 1987 as a professor of political science and in 1991 was appointed chair of the department.

While at Ohio State, he has received the Distinguished Scholar Award, the Faculty Award for Distinguished University Service, and the Council of Graduate Students Outstanding Service Award. He also has been actively involved with numerous departmental, college and university committees. Most recently, he served on the search committee for the executive vice president and provost.

“We are so fortunate to have someone of Dr. Beck’s caliber at Ohio State. He has already demonstrated that he is a leader of great integrity with strong personal skills, and I believe he is best qualified and prepared to guide the college forward,” Holbrook said. “I am delighted that he has agreed to serve as dean, and know he will help us advance the goals of the Academic Plan.”

Prior to coming to Ohio State, Beck was a professor and chair of political science at Florida State University. He served as chair for the American Political Science Organized Section on Elections, Public Opinion, and Voting Behavior from 1998 to 2000 and also as vice president of the Midwest Political Science Association from 1996 to 1998. Beck earned a bachelor’s degree, with honors, from Indiana University and a master’s degree and doctorate from the University of Michigan.

“I am honored to have been chosen for the position, and am excited to continue working with my faculty, staff and student colleagues in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences,” Beck said. “SBS attracts talented undergraduates, with more majors than any other college; maintains strong graduate programs full of top graduate students; achieves high standing in faculty research and scholarship; and has a dedicated staff supporting its accomplishments. The college will be a key player in realizing the goals of the university’s Academic Plan, and I look forward to being a part of its promising future.”

The Office of Academic Affairs conducted a national search to seek applications for the position, Snyder said.
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