CHAMPAIGN, Ill. Robert A. Easter was named today to be acting dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois. He will become interim dean, pending approval of the Board of Trustees at its meeting Sept. 13 in Chicago.
Easter, an expert in swine nutrition, has served as the head of the UI department of animal sciences since September 1996. He will continue to hold the rank of professor of animal sciences.
“I am delighted to announce that Professor Easter has agreed to serve as interim dean of ACES,” said Richard H. Herman, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. “I have heard a great deal of admiration and respect for his professional accomplishments as well as for his personal style and integrity. His outstanding service to animal sciences, the college and the campus is well known and admired.”
Easter replaces David L. Chicoine, who had served as dean since April 1996. Chicoine was named July 12 as university vice president for economic development and corporate relations.
Easter joined the UI faculty in 1976. He earned his bachelors and masters degrees in 1970 and 1972, respectively, from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, and a doctoral degree in 1976 from the UI.
A national search will be conducted to find a permanent dean of ACES.
