Salma Ghanem named next CCFA dean
The search for Central Michigan University's College of Communication and Fine Arts dean is nearly over.
Salma Ghanem, chairwoman of the communications department at the University of Texas-Pan American, accepted the position last week and was selected by Provost Julia Wallace over fellow position finalist Jack Bowman, who is dean of the School of Fine Arts at the University of Minnesota Duluth.
"I'm joining a great college," Ghanem said. "Everything I've heard about CMU has been nothing but positive."
Ghanem said she received an e-mail from CMU media relations Tuesday. Director of Media Relations Steve Smith confirmed Ghanem's appointment to the position Tuesday afternoon.
When she comes to CMU's campus, Ghanem said she will work to maintain the quality of students' education through transparency.
"That has been the way I operate," she said. "I really want to have an open door policy."
Quick to plant her roots, Ghanem said the difficulty in coming to Mount Pleasant has nothing to do with CMU.
"I've lived in Egypt, in New York, Texas and now Michigan," she said. "It's a very bittersweet move. Everybody's been congratulating me, but there's been tears."
Sharon Valdes, Ghanem's assistant, said she has worked with Ghanem for the last year-and-a-half.
She said Ghanem has gotten along well with students, staff and faculty alike, and they have run a "well oiled machine" in their department.
"We work with her very close everyday," Valdes said "I love her and I'm going to miss her, but I'm happy for her ... she's going to be the most awesome dean you've ever had."
Ghanem has been at the University of Texas-Pan American for 14 years and has been in her current position for eight. She said she will begin duties at CMU in early August.
Former CCFA associate dean Diane Krider has been interim dean since the beginning of the semester when Sue Ann Martin stepped down.
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