Friday, May. 16, 2008

Biology professor to take over dean position

Dean Karyn Wiens will transfer to Merced

There will be a changing of the guard this summer at the Los Baños campus of Merced College as it bids farewell to its dean and welcomes a new one.

Dr. Brenda Latham, a longtime biology professor at the college, will take over as campus dean July 1 replacing Karyn Wiens who has accepted a position at the main Merced campus.

Wiens said she doesn't have an official title yet because the position was just created but she will oversee the college's economic, workforce development and community services.

She said Latham is an excellent choice to take over the campus.

"Her heart and soul are invested in the campus and the community," Wiens said.

Latham has been teaching biology at the Los Baños campus for 11 years, her most recent assignment being the satellite school's science faculty chair.

She said her transition from instructor to the head of a department have prepared her for the dean's office so she doesn't anticipate much of a learning curve.

Besides Latham will have Wiens to guide her until her departure. The two will be in constant contact since her new job duties will bring Wiens back to the Westside often.

"We are going to be spending a lot of time together in June making sure the transition goes well," Wiens said.

With her new job duties Latham said she won't have anytime to teach, something she will miss. A search for her replacement in the classroom is currently underway.

"I'm committed (to having the campus) grow with the community," Latham said.

The change in leadership at the Los Baños campus came after the office of instruction was restructured to better serve the college's needs.

Wiens said she is excited about her new position bu has mixed emotions about leaving Los Baños. Wiens first came on board in July 2005 as interim dean and said it only took a month to realize the campus and community was a special place.

Wiens oversaw the construction of the new Los Baños campus and its grand opening last summer. She said that time of her tenure in Los Baños was a little stressful but considers herself lucky to have been a part of it.

"I have so enjoyed the faculty and staff at the campus," she said. "They are the hardest workers and most sincere friends a dean could have. I truly believe I will look back on my career in Los Baños as some of the happiest times in my work with Merced College."

"I can't remember ever having a bad day at work," she said.

Enterprise reporter Minerva Perez can be reached by phone at (209)388-6565 or by e-mail at mperez@losbanosenterprise.com

Enterprise reporter Minerva Perez can be reached by phone at (209)388-6565 or by e-mail at mperez@losbanosenterprise.com