Bill Bischoff

Bill Bischoff, dean of the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Wichita State University, will step down as dean at the end of the academic year in June to return to the faculty as a professor in geology.

Bischoff has been dean for 11 years after serving four years as associate dean.

"I have had the privilege of working closely with Bill for the past 11 years and know firsthand the time and energy that he has put into being dean," said Keith Pickus, interim provost at Wichita State. "His commitment to the college and the university has been absolute, and I am confident that this will continue when he returns to the faculty."

Before serving as dean, Bischoff taught for 13 years in the geology department, including three as chairman.

"It has been my pleasure to serve as dean for these many years. I want to thank all of the great faculty and administrators I've worked with to advance Fairmount College and Wichita State," said Bischoff. "I look forward to my return to the faculty for the opportunities it affords me to work more closely with students, faculty and the geological community."

Pickus is asking WSU faculty to indicate whether they're interested in serving as interim dean for 2012-13. He will work with the LAS College Council to review the qualifications of those interested in the position before naming an interim dean.

Pickus anticipates that a national search will commence for a new college dean after a new president completes a search for provost.