Western Illinois University Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences James Schmidt has been named the college’s interim dean, while WIU Political Science Professor Keith Boeckelman has been named the interim associate dean for the CAS to replace him.
“I am very excited to lead the College of Arts and Sciences as we address the ever-evolving challenges to higher education,” Mr. Schmidt said in a WIU news release announcing the change. “CAS has been committed to excellence in teaching, undergraduate research and experiential learning and we will continue to emphasize those priorities. … I am most grateful to have the opportunity to serve CAS in this new position.”
Schmidt has been with WIU since 1993, serving as a faculty member in the psychology department and joining the dean’s office as assistant dean of CAS in July 2000 before his promotion to associate dean in 2004.
“I wish to express my gratitude to Dr. Jim Schmidt, who brings many years of experience to the dean’s office,” WIU Provost and Academic Vice President Manoochehr Zoghi said in the release. “His excellent leadership, dedication and commitment to collaboration with faculty as well as providing academic opportunities to students will continue to serve CAS well.”
As Mr. Schmidt joins the dean’s office, Mr. Boeckelman will serve as interim associate dean for CAS. Mr. Boeckelman joined WIU in 1998 as an assistant professor of political science. He also served as interim chair for the History Department from 2019 to 2021, and the Political Science Department chair from 2020 to 2022. Â
“I am excited to work with Dean Schmidt and our outstanding faculty and staff to promote and sustain the College of Arts and Sciences,” Mr. Boeckelman said in the release.Â
“I value the liberal arts curriculum and hope to help nurture and grow our many excellent academic programs, as well as support the college’s role in providing a top-notch general education to all WIU students.”
