Three deans announce plans to step down; national searches will begin

Jerry V. Finrow, dean of the College of Architecture and Urban Planning; Roland L. Hjorth, dean of the School of Law; and David B. Thorud, dean of the College of Forest Resources, have announced that they will not seek reappointment as deans when their current appointments end in the year 2000. President Richard L. McCormick will shortly announce the formation of advisory committees, each of which will conduct a rigorous national search.

Finrow will have served as a dean of architecture for eight years, including five at the UW and three at the University of Oregon. Recently appointed as one of 30 advisers to the prestigious national Mayors Institute on City Design, Finrow will join the UW Department of Architecture as a faculty member to resume his teaching and research. In his announcement to the college, he said, “I have enjoyed my years as dean of the college and I believe that a lot has been accomplished over the past few years.” Among the accomplishments he cited are strong chair and faculty appointments, new facilities, including the Community Design Building, support for new initiatives and an effective strategic planning process.

Hjorth was appointed dean of law in 1995. “It has been a privilege to serve as dean of the school where I have been a faculty member for more than 30 years,” he commented. “I want to thank the faculty, staff, students and alumni of the law school for their continuing support and help over the past four years.” Two of Hjorth’s primary goals upon becoming dean were to establish a strategic planning process for the school and to raise funds both public and private for the construction of a new law school building on campus.

Thorud joined the UW faculty in 1981 as professor and dean. During 1984-85, he also served as director of UW Government Relations, and from 1994 to 1996, he served as acting provost. In his announcement to his faculty, Thorud said, “I’m a little biased, but I think the faculty, students and staff of this college have done well in wrapping up the 20th century, and I have been proud to be a participant.” Thorud has agreed to undertake double duty again during the coming year, as he will serve as acting vice president for university relations while a national search is being conducted for that position. ¶