SUBJECT:

Appointment of Interim Dean, Division of Social Sciences

It is my pleasure to announce that Professor Jeffrey Elman, Associate Dean of the Division of Social Sciences, has agreed to serve as Interim Dean of the Division of Social Sciences effective October 1, 2007, through September 30, 2008.

Professor Elman has been on the faculty of UCSD since 1977. He currently holds the title of Distinguished Professor in the Department of Cognitive Science. He is a stellar scholar who has earned national and international recognition as a cognitive scientist and is often referred to as one of the world's top researchers in his field.

Professor Elman's service to the department, division and the University has been exemplary. He is a founding member of the Department of Cognitive Science and served as the department chair from 1995-1998. He served as Acting Dean of the Division of Social Sciences from July 1, 2006 - June 30, 2007 during the sabbatical leave of Dean Paul Drake. He has also served as Associate Dean of the Division since 2002. In addition to his current leadership role in the Division, Professor Elman was instrumental in efforts to establish the Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind and serves as co-director of the Institute. An outstanding scholar and campus citizen, Elman is an executive committee member for the Center for Research in Language and a fellow of the Cognitive Science Society.

Professor Elman's administrative and scholarly accomplishments and his recent service as acting dean make him exceptionally well qualified to provide leadership as Interim Dean of the Division of Social Sciences until a new permanent dean is identified. A national search will be initiated shortly. Please join me in thanking Professor Elman for his commitment to ensuring a positive transition for the Division of Social Sciences and the University.

Marjorie C. Caserio Interim Senior Vice Chancellor