May 15, 2009

Mark Wardell appointed Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate School at Wayne State University

Mark Wardell, associate dean of the Graduate School and director of the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs at Pennsylvania State University, has been appointed associate provost and dean of the Graduate School at Wayne State University effective July 1, 2009. The appointment was announced by Nancy S. Barrett, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs.

Wardell brings substantial experience in curriculum enhancement, faculty and student recruitment, development of interdisciplinary and online programs, alumni relations and fundraising, as well as strategic planning and assessment. His vision for Wayne State's Graduate School includes:

• Fostering regional partnerships for economic innovation;
• Increasing international partnerships for research and graduate programs; and
• Connecting graduate students with alumni who will serve as mentors, portals to professional networks and providers of internship opportunities.

According to Barrett, Wardell will assist Wayne State in developing new graduate programs that meet the needs of a changing state economy, while recognizing the interests of an increasingly globalized society.

"We have chosen an outstanding scholar to direct Wayne State's Graduate School at a time when such leadership is critical for enabling our students to excel in an increasingly competitive global environment," said Barrett. "Dr. Wardell has the knowledge, experience and demonstrated ability to help build and strengthen the graduate and professional programs."
Prior to serving as associate dean, Wardell was head of the Department of Labor Studies and Employment Relations at Penn State. In this capacity, he ran a multidisciplinary unit that frequently collaborated with others including African and African-American Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Spanish, Women Studies, Management, Family Studies and Information Sciences and Technology.

Wayne State University is a premier institution of higher education offering more than 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 31,000 students.