3/3/99
ATHENS, Ohio -- Charles P. Bird, dean of the Ohio University Lancaster campus since 1995, has been named Vice President for Regional Higher Education, a division serving Ohio University campuses throughout southeastern Ohio and students around the world through its Lifelong Learning programs.
In making the announcement Wednesday, President Robert Glidden said: "I am very pleased that Charles Bird was interested in this position and that there was strong consensus in support of his leadership for regional higher education. His standing in the academic community, his knowledge and commitment to regional higher education and his interest in expanding access to students in our region will make him an effective leader."
Before becoming dean at Ohio University's Lancaster campus, Bird served as an administrator at Ohio State University's Mansfield campus from 1986 to 1995. He has taught psychology at several universities since 1974, including Florida State, Florida A&M and Ohio State.
Bird said he is "pleased and honored to have this opportunity to serve Ohio University in a new role. I believe very strongly in what we do in the regional higher education system and in the communities that they serve."
Glidden expressed appreciation for the service of the interim vice president while a national search was conducted. "I am appreciative that former Provost Jim Bruning was willing to step in and serve so ably as the interim vice president for regional higher education," Glidden said. Bruning was named to the interim position in October at the retirement of former Vice President James Bryant.
Bird will assume duties as vice president at the beginning of spring quarter March 29. Glidden said a search for Bird's replacement in Lancaster would begin then. An interim dean is expected to be named within the next few weeks.