Sukhwant Jhaj will take over as interim director of University Studies for the 2006-07 school year.
Jhaj, an associate professor in the University Studies department since 2002, accepted the invitation to fill the position from Terry Rhodes, vice provost for curriculum and dean of undergraduate studies, late Wednesday. Jhaj will replace current University Studies Director Judith Patton, whose six-year tenure will end in August after the administration decided against extending her contract.
Jhaj said he is grateful for the opportunity to serve students and faculty as director. He said he is currently focusing on the classes he is teaching, but believes the new job will be challenging.
The administration will begin a nationwide search for a permanent University Studies director in the fall of 2006. Jhaj said he will not apply for the position after his term as interim director is finished and will resume teaching architecture classes.