EAU CLAIRE -- Dr. William Smethells, professor of physics and astronomy, has been appointed by Chancellor Larry Schnack as assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. His appointment will be effective July1.

Smethells joined UW-Eau Claire's department of physics and astronomy in 1974, and has served as chair of the department since 1992. Also, he was an instructor of physics at UW-Eau Claire from 1968-71, and served as director of the L.E. Phillips Planetarium from 1969-70.

As assistant dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Smethells will work with leaders in the 18 departments in the humanities, arts, natural sciences and social sciences. There are 350 faculty and staff and more than 4,000 undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences, which is the largest academic unit at UW-Eau Claire.

The assistant dean is responsible for serving on and coordinating the activities of the Arts and Sciences Curriculum Committee; editing and updating the Arts and Sciences section of the University Catalogue; maintaining syllabi associated with courses offered by the College of Arts and Sciences; assisting with implementing curricular changes, especially those arising from implementation of the university's new degree; building relations and maintaining liaison between the Office of the Dean and other university offices; assisting the dean with special projects and assignments; and other duties assigned by the dean.

While at UW-Eau Claire, Smethells has been a member of numerous university committees including Faculty Senate, the American Ethnic Coordinating Committee, and the College of Arts and Sciences Curriculum Committee.

Smethells earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Michigan, his master's degree from Michigan State University, and his doctorate from Case Western Reserve University.

Smethells will replace assistant dean Dr. David Brakke, professor of biology.

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JB

Updated: May 1, 1997