Rhode Island School of Design. Office of Academic Affairs. Administrative Officers records (7.01)

Historical note

The Executive Committee and the President created the Office of the Dean of the College in 1960. The Dean, previously the Assistant to the President (1958-1960), served as a Vice-President of the Corporation, 1960-1963, and the chief administrative officer of the School with responsibility for the academic programs and policies of the School. Replaced by the Dean of the Faculty who was responsible for instruction, admissions, and the Registrar, 1963-1966, the Office of the Dean of the College returned in 1966 with oversight of the Deans of the Faculty and Students, Admissions, Registrar, and Library.

Reorganization of the administrative structure in 1975 created the present Office of Academic Affairs and the position of Provost. Further changes in 1978 replaced the Provost with the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, 1978-1993. The Office of the Dean of Students became the separate Office of Vice-President for Student Affairs from 1978 to 1995 when it returned to the Academic Affairs office.

Academic Affairs Officers

Dean of the College:

• David L. Strout, 1960-1963
• Donald M. Lay Jr., 1967-1975

Provost:

• Merlin Szosz (Acting), 1976
• Jack Stewart, 1976-1977
• Bruce Helander (Acting), 1977-1978

Associate Dean of the College:

• Merlin Szosz, 1972-1975

Associate Provost:

• Merlin Szosz, 1975-1977
• C. Fenno Hoffman, Jr. (Acting), 1977-1978