Scripps College President Nancy Y. Bekavac has announced the appointment of Andrew Philip Dowsett as associate dean of the Joint Science Department, effective July 1, 2001. He replaces James Higdon, professor of physics in the Joint Science Department, who has been serving as acting associate dean in the first year of this new administrative structure for this expanding department.
Scripps College participates with Claremont McKenna and Pitzer Colleges in a Joint Science Program that allows students to fulfill the colleges’ requirements in science and to pursue advanced studies as majors or as supplementary studies to related fields.
"All three of the colleges that form the Joint Science Department are delighted with the appointment of Andrew Dowsett," said Bekavac. "With his broad and deep administrative and research experience, we think he is the right person to oversee an increasingly complex curriculum, research agenda, and physical plant and to help the Department continue the progress it has made towards achieving true academic distinction."
Dr. Dowsett is currently a research biologist at Caltech.Previously, he was head of school, School of Biological Sciences, at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand and deputy dean of science, as well as senior lecturer in molecular biology and dean of students (science).
Dr. Dowsett’s responsibilities will include curricular planning for expanded space for the Joint Science Department, development of curriculum, and research grant assistance. The Joint Science Department consists of 22 faculty, five technical staff and four administrative staff. The Joint Science Program curriculum, taught by a broadly trained science faculty, offers general and advanced courses and the opportunity for individual research projects.