ATHENS, Ohio -- Ann Fidler has been named dean of Ohio University's Honors Tutorial College, effective July 1.

Fidler, assistant professor of history, will succeed Joseph Berman, who announced his retirement in January.

In making the announcement today, interim Provost Gary Schumacher said, "Dr. Ann Fidler brings innovative ideas and a strong sense of commitment to and enthusiasm for enhancing Ohio University's unique Honors Tutorial College. I feel confident that under Dr. Fidler's leadership the college will grow in both regional and national stature and become even more attractive to outstanding high school graduates."

Since joining the faculty in 1998, Fidler, has conducted numerous tutorials for the Honors Tutorial College. In 2000, she was awarded the college's Outstanding Tutor Award. That same year, Fidler began to serve as the assistant director of the Department of History's Honors Tutorial College program. She assumed her current position of the college's director of studies in April 2001.

Before coming to Ohio University, she was a visiting scholar in the Department of History at the University of Arizona.

Fidler, 39, received a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Kansas in 1984. She earned her law degree in 1990 and Ph.D. in American and English legal constitutional history in 1996 from the University of California at Berkeley.

"I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the university's mission of sustaining and enhancing undergraduate education," Fidler said. "The talent and energy of the students, alumni, tutors and staff of the Honors Tutorial College are amazing. With their assistance, I plan to build on the impressive legacy established by Dean Berman."

Ohio University is the only institution in the United States with a degree-granting college incorporating all the essential features of the traditional tutorial system. Currently, there are 26 major areas of study offered by the Honors Tutorial College.