Dr. Sarah Poggione named interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Ohio University

Ohio University Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Elizabeth Sayrs has named Dr. Sarah Poggione interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. This announcement follows current Dean Dr. Florenz Plassmann’s plan to step down from his role effective August 16, 2022, for family health reasons. He will serve as a tenured professor of economics with a joint appointment in political science in the College in January 2023 following a sabbatical. 

“I am grateful to Sarah for her willingness to serve as interim dean,” Provost Sayrs said. “Well regarded as a gifted scholar, educator and leader, Sarah’s stewardship during this transition is much appreciated.”

Poggione, who currently serves as vice provost for undergraduate education at OHIO, has significant academic leadership experience, previously serving as an associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences.

A faculty member in political science since 2009, Poggione served as department chair for two years. As associate dean for students, instruction, and curriculum in the College of Arts and Sciences, she oversaw the student services office, chaired the college curriculum committee, coordinated assessment activities, and engaged in strategic planning for the college. She also led the college’s implementation of the new General Education curriculum and Guarantee Plus Graduation Plan. Before coming to OHIO, she was a faculty member in the Department of Politics and International Relations at Florida International University and Franklin Fellow in the Political Science Department at the University of Georgia.

Following a sabbatical, Plassmann, who was named dean of the College in April 2019, will continue his research, teaching, and other faculty pursuits. 

“I am grateful for Dr. Plassmann’s service to the College of Arts and Sciences,” Provost Sayrs said. “He provided strong leadership to the College during a time of unprecedented disruption, and I am confident he will continue to excel as an educator, researcher, scholar and mentor.”

Poggione will serve in the interim dean role through the end of the 2022-2023 academic year or until a permanent dean of the College of Arts and Sciences is named.