W. Andrew Marcus, associate dean of social sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, has been appointed acting dean of the college while Scott Coltrane serves as interim provost, Provost James Bean said recently, in a message to the university community.

“Andrew begins July 1 and will serve as long as needed,” Bean said. “I am confident that he will do a great job."

University of Oregon President Michael Gottfredson recently announced that Coltrane will serve as interim senior vice president and provost beginning July 1. Bean will leave the senior vice president and provost position to return to teaching in the Lundquist College of Business.

Coltrane will serve in the interim role while a nationwide search is conducted to fill the position permanently.

Marcus has been an associate dean in the college since 2011 and, prior to that, was the head of the Geography Department since 2008.

“He has had a long, successful career and has been honored with a variety of awards,” Bean said.

In 2012, Marcus received the Wayne Westling Award for his long-term leadership and service to the UO.

His recent book, “Atlas of Yellowstone,” written in conjunction with Jim Meacham and Alethea Steingisser (with Ann Rodman), received the highly regarded PROSE award for Excellence in Physical Sciences and Mathematics from the American Publishers Association. In 2005, Marcus received the GK Gilbert Award for Excellence in Geomorphic Research.

More information about Marcus is available on the CAS homepage.

Department heads in the college were invited to weigh in on Marcus' potential appointment.

“The support was broad across all divisions of CAS, and quite resounding,” Bean said. “His appointment as acting dean will create a smooth transition for the college as Scott Coltrane takes on his new duties.”