McDonald stepping down as associate provost and graduate dean to return to faculty McDonald stepping down as associate provost and graduate dean to return to faculty

J. David McDonald, associate provost for research and dean of the Graduate School, will return to teaching and research in biological sciences, Interim Provost Keith Pickus announced. Pickus said John Tomblin, executive director of the National Institute for Aviation Research, will take on temporary duties as associate provost for research. In addition, Abu Masud, associate dean of the Graduate School, will become interim dean.

"Dr. McDonald has made significant contributions to Wichita State in his leadership of research and graduate studies, and before that as chair of biological sciences," Pickus said. "Under Dave's stewardship, external research funding has grown by more than $40 million.

"Tomblin's experience will enable the university to examine ways to continue the upward trajectory of funded research."

Pickus said he will consult with members of the Research Council, Graduate Council, staff of the Office of Research Administration and administrators before deciding how to fill permanently McDonald's posts.

McDonald will return to his role as professor of biological sciences. He served as chair of that department from 1999-2006, associate provost for research since 2006 and dean of the graduate school since 2008.

WSU President John Bardo said: "Externally funded research and graduate education are keys to WSU's ongoing role as an engine of innovation and economic development, and we will think strategically about how best to structure these activities before we fill the positions vacated by Dr. McDonald."