The university will begin the search process for the new dean at the Whittemore School of Business and Economics following the announcement by Dean Steve Bolander that he will retire Dec. 31, 2006.

Bolander made the announcement in an e-mail to Whittemore School faculty and staff Wednesday, March 29.

According to Bruce Mallory, provost and executive vice president, the search will begin in the coming weeks after the selection of search committee members and development of a position description for the next dean, which should be completed by the end of the academic year. Preliminary marketing/advertising will occur during the summer with a review of candidates starting at the beginning of the fall semester. It is expected that finalists will be on campus for interviews by the end of October.

Bolander plans to make a major presentation to the faculty and staff next fall that will outline the progress that the school has made, its current status, and the challenges that he sees ahead.

Provost Mallory expressed his appreciation for Dean Bolander’s leadership of WSBE over the past six years. “He has been a highly effective academic leader and advocate for the university’s strong partnerships with state and national businesses. Dean Bolander has led significant curricular reform at the undergraduate and graduate level in the school, he has advanced the school’s national reputation, and he has assured the school’s financial solvency through creative, high demand executive programs. He leaves a strong legacy for the next dean of WSBE.”