6/19/2001
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Marietta L. Baba, professor and chairperson of the Department of Anthropology at Wayne State University, is expected to be named dean of the Michigan State University College of Social Science at the June 22 meeting of the MSU Board of Trustees.
The appointment, which includes a tenured professorship in the MSU Department of Anthropology, will be effective Aug. 1.
"Dr. Baba is a person of extraordinary vision, creativity and energy who believes in steering through collaboration," said Provost Lou Anna K. Simon. "She brings a unique blend of traditional academic experience and work with the business and intercultural communities, as well as a perspective on urban issues that will be a tremendous asset to the College of Social Science."
Baba holds a doctorate in anthropology from Wayne State University and a master's in business administration from the Advanced Management Program in MSU's Eli Broad Graduate School of Management.
She has served in several senior administrative positions in the offices of the Provost and Vice President for Research at Wayne State University and also has served as a program director at the National Science Foundation. A prolific and widely published scholar, Baba has concentrated her recent research on the role of information technology in various organizational contexts.
"The 21st century poses societal challenges that call for deep understanding and insightful direction from our nation's research universities," Baba said. "Increasingly, important new discoveries and solutions are expected to arise at the intersection of traditional disciplines and professions.
"Michigan State University's College of Social Science, with its strengths in disciplinary science and professional practice, is well situated to make significant strides in discovery, as well as learning and engagement, in this new era," she said.
Baba will succeed Gary A. Manson, who has served as acting dean of the college since fall 2000.
"It is impossible to meet Dr. Baba without being struck by her energy and enthusiasm to work collaboratively with the units of the college," said Lynne Goldstein, chairperson of the MSU Department of Anthropology and head of the search committee that recommended Baba's appointment.
"The committee was impressed with the fact that Dr. Baba is a well-respected anthropologist who has extensive experience in the business world and in practical applications of traditional disciplines," Goldstein said. "This unique background makes Dr. Baba an excellent fit with both the individual academic disciplines and the professional schools that make up the College of Social Science."
With more than 4,600 students, the College of Social Science is one of MSU's largest colleges.