April 13, 2011
Dear Colleagues,
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Professor Kenneth C. Janda as
Dean of the School of Physical Sciences, effective May 1.
A professor of chemistry at UCI since 1992, Professor Janda's field of research
is experimental molecular physics and quantum mechanics, using molecular
spectroscopy and quantum theory to understand how non-chemical interactions
affect the structure and dynamics of chemical bonds in the gas phase, liquids
and solids. Professor Janda is an elected Fellow of the American Physical
Society, contributes in numerous capacities to professional organizations of
his discipline, and oversees a vibrant research program.
Professor Janda has served as the School's Interim Dean since November 1, 2010,
and before that, as Associate Dean since 2008, with broad-ranging
responsibilities pertaining to student affairs and academic programs. He has
also been an active participant on numerous senate and administrative
committees, including the Academic Planning Group, the Budget Work Group, and
the Enrollment Council. He has served as Chair of the Council on Educational
Policy (CEP) and as Chair of the Irvine Division of the Academic Senate, and in
2009-10, served on the Size and Shape Committee of the U.C. Commission on the
Future.
We are grateful to the search committee and its chair, Professor Ellen Druffel,
for its efforts toward this important appointment. Please join us in offering
warm congratulations to Dean Janda and in welcoming him to his new role.
Chancellor Michael Drake
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Michael
Gottfredson