Mark Largent, associate dean for research and faculty development in Lyman Briggs College, will be recommended as interim dean of the college, succeeding Elizabeth Simmons, who served as dean since 2003.
If approved by the MSU Board of Trustees, the appointment would be effective September 8.
Largent has served as the associate dean since 2013. He also serves as a professor of social relations and policy in James Madison College, as associate dean for undergraduate studies for Office of the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education and as director of learning analytics for the Hub for Innovation in Learning and Technology.
“Dr. Largent’s broad range of leadership experiences across the university and familiarity with Lyman Briggs College will provide continuity during this time of transition,” said MSU Provost June Pierce Youatt. “Mark also has been a leader in the university’s student success initiative, so he brings that important perspective to the role.”
Largent is a historian of science, technology and medicine. His research and teaching focus on the role of scientists and physicians in American public policy. He has written on the evolution-creation debate, the professionalization of American biology, Darwinism, the history of the American eugenics movement, and recent debates over compulsory vaccination. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota.
It was announced in August that Simmons would be leaving her position to serve as executive vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of California San Diego.
A search for the next dean will begin in the fall.
