Inside Iowa State

March 13, 2009

Human Sciences dean search narrowed to one candidate

by Annette Hacker, News Service

The committee searching for the next dean of the College of Human Sciences has unanimously recommended one finalist to move forward in the process: interim dean Pam White, University Professor of food science and human nutrition. White became interim dean of the college last July 1, succeeding Cheryl Achterberg, who left Iowa State for a dean position at Ohio State University.

"I'm pleased that Provost Hoffman has accepted the search committee's recommendation of Dr. Pam White for a campus interview," said Wendy Wintersteen, human sciences search committee chair and dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Executive vice president and provost Elizabeth Hoffman said the search committee's recommendation followed an analysis of a large number of applications and a number of preliminary interviews with potential candidates.

The next step is a series of campus interviews that will be held after spring break.

Hoffman said she expects to name a permanent dean for the College of Human Sciences by mid-April.

White previously served as interim dean of the College of Family and Consumer Sciences from 2003 to 2005, before it combined with the College of Education to become the College of Human Sciences on July 1, 2005. White continued as interim dean of the new college until Aug. 31, 2005, when Achterberg arrived.

White also served as interim department chair of food science and human nutrition from 1995 to 1997. Her research focuses on the oxidization of edible oils and their sensory and chemical changes, uses of antioxidants in oils, and the structure and function of soluble fiber -- all aimed at creating new and improved foods.

White is a former president of the American Oil Chemists' Society and has been recognized by that group for outstanding research accomplishments in fats and oils.

White earned bachelor's (1972) and master's (1974) degrees from the University of Washington, Seattle; and a doctorate in food technology from Iowa State in 1981. She joined the ISU faculty as an instructor in food science and human nutrition in 1975.

Pamela White

Interim dean Pam White is the search committee's unanimous selection as the sole finalist for the College of Human Sciences' dean post.