Neal Schmitt, a University Distinguished Professor and professor emeritus who served the Department of Psychology, has been recommended to serve as interim dean of the College of Social Science at Michigan State University.
His appointment, pending approval of the MSU Board of Trustees, would be effective June 17.
“With Neal’s history of leadership in the college, I am confident he will step into the position with the skills needed to provide continuity during this time of transition,” said MSU Provost June Pierce Youatt.
Schmitt came to MSU as an assistant professor of psychology in 1974 and served as department chairperson from 2000 to 2010. He retired from Michigan State in 2011 and currently serves as executive vice president for Polaris Assessment Systems and associate editor of two professional journals.
In his research, Schmitt examines how effective hiring practices can help find the best employee. He has worked with Ford Motor Co., the FBI and many other private and public organizations, and his research has been cited more than 5,000 times.
Schmitt received doctoral and master’s degrees in industrial psychology from Purdue University and a bachelor of arts from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa.
The search for the next dean of the college will begin in the fall.
Schmitt will succeed Marietta Baba, who recently returned to the faculty after 14 years of successful leadership of the college.