Graduate School selects new associate dean

The Kansas University Graduate School has selected a new associate dean.

Saeed Farokhi, a professor of aerospace engineering since 1984, will start in the position July 12.

He succeeds John Colombo, who was selected earlier this year to serve as associate director of the Schiefelbusch Institute for Life Span Studies at KU.

‘Interim’ label taken off associate dean’s title

Thomas Heilke will continue as associate dean of the Office of International Programs at Kansas University.

Heilke, who has served as interim associate dean for a year, has been on KU’s political science faculty since 1990 and has served as the department’s director of graduate studies for four years.

Heilke replaces Paul D’Anieri, who became director of Russian and East European studies.

Professor accepts associate dean position

The Kansas University School of Journalism has named a new associate dean.

David Guth, associate professor of journalism, will serve as associate dean beginning July 1. He replaces Linda Davis, associate professor of journalism, who is stepping down after four years in the position.

Guth has been at KU for 13 years and has served as chair of the strategic communications track for 2 1/2 years.

Rural health director wins national award

A Kansas University professor has been awarded an outstanding achievement award from the National Rural Health Assn.

Lorene Valentine, director of rural health education and services at the KU Medical Center campus in Wichita, received the award last month at the association’s annual conference in San Diego.

The honor went to Valentine for “seeking ways to provide lasting contributions to rural health care, including creativity, unselfishness, compassion and cooperative attitude.”

Chemistry prof tapped for vice provost position

George S. Wilson, who has served as interim associate vice provost for research at Kansas University, will take on the role on a permanent basis.

Wilson was appointed to the position by Jim Roberts, who was recently named permanent vice provost for research. Roberts also serves as president of the KU Center for Research, and Wilson is vice president.

Wilson has been on the KU faculty since 1987 and is professor of chemistry and pharmaceutical chemistry. His research has led to an implantable sensor for glucose monitoring for use in diabetic patients.