The Rev. Joseph Pilsner will be stepping as Dean of Arts and Sciences and replaced by interim dean John Starner on June 30. Pilsner and Starner have been the Dean of Arts and Sciences and the Associate Dean of Arts and Sciences since 2009, respectively.
According to Dominic Aquila, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Pilsner made several “signature contributions” as the dean, most markedly establishing core curriculum for the university.
“We are grateful to Fr. Joseph for guiding the university and Arts and Sciences,” Aquila said.
In regards to Pilsner’s future plans, Aquila mentioned he was not sure, but taking a leave or absence or a sabbatical between ventures is “pretty typical” in the academic world, as is stepping down after some time to allow for new experience or expertise to take a step up. Pilsner was unavailable for interview.
“Father Joe was very popular,” Aquila said. “He is a great teacher.” According to Aquila, Pilsner’s stepping down was his decision. Aquila stressed that resignations occurred in higher education often, and that this was not like “the corporate world.”
Starner will take UST through the 2015-16 school year while the university conducts a nationwide search in order to find a new dean. This search is dictated by university policy.