Sherry L. Baker has accepted an appointment by Academic Vice President John S. Tanner as a new associate dean in the College of Fine Arts and Communications at Brigham Young University.
Robert Barrett, who has served as an associate dean for more than four years, will return to full-time teaching in the Visual Arts Department.
“Bob has made substantial contributions to the college in his responsibilities with curriculum, faculty development, student and faculty funding decisions and the college’s rank and status process,” said Dean Stephen Jones. “I have greatly appreciated Bob's commitment and express deep appreciation for the dedicated service he has given the college and university in this assignment.”
In addition, Dale Monson has been reappointed director of the School of Music, and Ed Adams has been reappointed chair of the Department of Communications.
“These capable leaders have both had an important influence in their respective areas, and their reappointments come with the overwhelming support of faculty and staff in their departments,” said Jones.
Baker received her Ph.D. in communications from the University of Utah in 1994 and has taught at BYU since 1996. She is an associate professor in the Communications Department where she served as associate chair over graduate studies.
“She’s a delightful person to work with,” said Adams. “She’s a strong consensus builder and is very deferential to faculty, staff and students in trying to understand their viewpoints.”
Before coming to BYU, Baker served as assistant academic dean and director of administrative support at LDS Business College for several years.
“She has a great strength in the area of ethics, which is part of our core curriculum,” said Adams. “So while we lose some strength in our department, I think that, on the other hand we gain as a college much more because of what Dr. Baker brings to the level of associate dean.”
“I am honored to serve in this position, and to support Dean Jones in his good work with the college,” Baker said. “I have served on the College Rank and Advancement Committee for two years during which time I have developed a deep respect for the wonderful work that is produced by the faculty members in our college.”
Writer: Valerie Housley
