University College Dean Patricia Bayer Richard Announces Early Retirement Plans

Contact: Patricia Bayer Richard, (740) 593-1935

Editors: A photo of Patricia Bayer Richard may be downloaded from the Web at www.ohiou.edu/news/pix/RICHARD_PATRICIA.JPG

ATHENS, Ohio (November 9, 2000) -- Patricia Bayer Richard, dean of University College and associate provost for undergraduate studies at Ohio University, has announced that she will step down from those positions in August 2001.

Richard has served since 1992 as dean of University College and since 1998 as associate provost for undergraduate studies. She plans to take advantage of the university's early retirement option, which will allow her to continue teaching in the political science department one quarter of each academic year.

"My years at the university have been rich and fulfilling," Richard said. "I have been fortunate in many things, among them wonderful colleagues across the university, opportunities to serve in a variety of capacities and an environment supportive of initiatives to improve the already high quality of Ohio University -- from women's studies to teaching and writing excellence to learning communities.

"The early retirement program will allow me to continue to be part of the university while affording my husband and me the luxury -- for us -- of living under the same roof," she added.

Richard's husband, John Booth, is a Regents Professor of Political Science and the Johnie Christian Family Peace Professor at the University of North Texas in Denton. The couple frequently collaborate on research.

Richard joined Ohio University in 1972 as a faculty member in political science, becoming a full professor in 1990. Her past positions have included director of both the political science graduate program and the Center for Political Communication. Richard was the first female chair of Faculty Senate and one of the founders of Ohio University's Women's Studies Program.

As dean and associate provost, Richard plays a central role in undergraduate education. She is responsible for the university's general education program, or the common curriculum required of all baccalaureate students, and is currently co-chairing a universitywide review of those requirements. Richard participates in efforts and programs to support and reward excellence and innovation in teaching and learning and to integrate writing and service-learning into the teaching/learning process.

Under Richard's leadership, University College's long-term mission to support a quality undergraduate experience through advising, transition programs and academic support services has been enhanced through the creation of a Center for Teaching Excellence, a Writing Across the Curriculum program, a networked learning lab, an expanded Supplemental Instruction program and learning communities for freshmen.

Richard was named one of the nation's Outstanding Freshman Advocates in 1997 by the Center for the Freshman Year Experience. She currently serves on the executive council of the Association of General and Liberal Studies and is a past president of the Association of Deans of University Colleges and Directors of Undergraduate Studies.

"Dean Richard has made an extraordinary contribution to Ohio University as a faculty member, an administrator and a superlative university citizen," Provost Sharon Brehm said. "Her contribution to excellence in undergraduate education has become deeply embedded in the university, and she has played a major role in helping Ohio University attain the high regard in which it is held in the state, nation and abroad.The university has every reason to be grateful to her for her fine service, and we are all thankful that she will continue as a faculty member."

University College focuses on undergraduates and the quality of their experience. In addition to serving its own students ranging from freshmen exploring the university before selecting a major to degree students in criminal justice and specialized studies baccalaureate programs it plays a universitywide role in orientation, general education, curricular innovation and support for the enhancement of teaching and learning.

Brehm said she anticipates beginning the search for a new dean in early 2001.