School gets new assistant
dean
By Lynde Smith
Staff
Writer
A man who for more than 10 years was assistant
to the director of academic programs in the School of Agriculture has
now moved up to become the assistant dean of the graduate school.
Thomas Atkinson was informed that he had been accepted
for the position in August and began his duties just after Labor Day.
As assistant dean, Atkinson will be overseeing operations in the graduate
school such as admissions, graduate school records, administrative services
and communications.
Atkinson said that when he initially applied he
had wondered if his strong background with undergraduates would have
an effect on being considered for the job, so he was pleasantly surprised
when he found out he was hired.
"While in this position I would like to help the
graduate school become even more accessible and responsive to faculty,
staff and students," said Atkinson.
Gary Isom, dean of the graduate school and a professor
of toxicology, said he is thrilled Atkinson joined the graduate school.
"We are looking forward to the experience and leadership
(Atkinson will bring) to the graduate school," said Isom.
Atkinson said he has felt welcome in his new environment.
"The people have been very kind and helpful," he
said. "There are a lot of complexities and I am still learning a lot."
Previously Atkinson worked in the office of academic
programs in the School of Agriculture, where he was an undergraduate
advisor. He was also in charge of scholarship management and headed
outreach with various teachers.
Besides now working with graduate students instead
of undergraduates, Atkinson is also finding that he is involved with
more committees than in the past. He said it is something that comes
with the job, though. He has also discovered that he is dealing with
a much broader range of academic fields.
Atkinson is a graduate of Purdue, where he received
his bachelor's degree in agriculture education. He began working for
the University soon thereafter.
"I started here in 1982 as a graduate assistant
in the School of Agriculture and I have been here ever since, except
for about four years or so while I was working on my Ph.D. at the University
of Pennsylvania," he said.
Atkinson said he sees himself staying at Purdue
for quite some time. He said he has strong academic roots here and is
satisfied with the work that he is doing.
"I like working in an academic environment," said
Atkinson. "I like working with the people and students at Purdue and
I like this area."
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