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2 top geosciences profs accept admin jobs

Arizona Summer Wildcat

Davis named provost; Ruiz dean of science

While Joaquin Ruiz and George Davis, two top UA geosciences professors, have accepted administrative jobs with the university, Ruiz says their departure won't significantly affect the department.

"This is a very good department with a lot of good leadership," said Ruiz, who is leaving his position as department head to be dean of the College of Science.

Besides Ruiz's departure, Regents Professor George Davis has been picked to be the University of Arizona's next provost and senior vice president of academic affairs.

"I haven't talked to a single person who wasn't thrilled with his (Davis') appointment," said Sharon Kha, UA spokeswoman.

Ruiz's promotion will not hinder his plans to maintain some of his teaching duties and continue his research. He will stay as head of the department on interim status and continue to teach.

Davis may continue to teach, but will not likely further his research, Ruiz said. While Davis still plans to teach, a replacement will be searched for.

Davis and Ruiz both have distinguished academic, research and administrative careers.

During his time at the UA, Davis has served as chair of the geosciences department, vice provost for academic affairs and as an executive on the Arizona Board of Regents.

Davis was also president of the University of Vermont in 1992 before returning to the UA to teach again.

Ruiz, who has been the chair of the Strategic Planning and Budgeting Advisory Committee for the past four years, said he plans to work closely with the fundraising commission for the university in the fall.

During Ruiz's time as head of geosciences, the department has improved and was recently ranked seventh in the country for overall Ph.D. programs by U.S. News and World Report online.

Eugene Levy, current dean of the College of Science, leaves the position July 1 to become provost at Rice University in Houston.

Ruiz has been working with Levy to make the transition as smooth as possible.

"Both of them have had the chance to work in this university and really make a difference," Kha said. "They're outstanding people."

The search for Ruiz's replacement will begin in the fall.

The UA geosciences graduate program is currently ranked in the top ten in the country with about 180 graduate and undergraduate students in the department.

Richard Clark can be reached at city@wildcat.arizona.edu.