1/16/98

ATHENS, Ohio -- John Kelbley, assistant dean of Ohio University's Zanesville campus, has been appointed interim dean following the December retirement of former Dean Craig Laubenthal, according to Vice President of Regional Higher Education James Bryant.

"John Kelbley is uniquely qualified to serve in this position because of his many years of service as a faculty member and assistant dean at the campus," Bryant said. "It is my personal opinion, having worked with John for 30 years, that he will do an excellent job of maintaining the progress and momentum at the campus until a permanent replacement for Craig is available."

The campus is in the process of selecting a new dean, who is expected to be hired soon, according to Suzanne Chapman, public relations coordinator for the Zanesville campus.

"I'm pleased to help keep our campus moving forward while we finish our search for a new dean," Kelbley said. "The Zanesville campus has so many great programs and current initiatives that I'm excited to serve in this role."

Kelbley has been assistant dean since 1982 and has worked at the Zanesville campus since 1966. He began his career with Ohio University in 1964 as a residence hall director on the Athens campus.

Kelbley was named an Ohio University outstanding administrator in 1992.