University of Iowa Interim Provost Sue Curry has named Professor and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Fellow Joseph Kearney interim dean of CLAS. Kearney will begin serving on July 1, when Chaden Djalali’s term ends. He will have the month of June to work with the provost and collegiate leadership to ensure a smooth transition in the college.

Kearney is a professor in the Department of Computer Science and a successful researcher studying the intersection of computer science and psychological science in the Hank Virtual Environments Lab. His focus on developing virtual-environment technology to study important real-world problems has provided insights into transportation safety, such as how pedestrians and cyclists cross traffic-filled virtual roadways.

Kearney served as associate dean for research and development in CLAS from 2003 to 2016 and was pivotal in the development of cluster initiatives at the UI such as the Public Digital Arts Cluster, the Public Humanities in the Digital World initiative, and the Iowa Informatics Initiative. He received the Board of Regents, State of Iowa, award for faculty excellence in 2017.

“As associate dean for research and development, Joe was vital to the flood recovery project and worked with campus and external partners to rebuild and reinvent the arts campus,” says Curry. “He has continually exhibited strong leadership, and I am pleased he’s willing to step up again and serve as interim dean.”

Kearney has agreed to serve until June 30, 2019, or earlier if a new dean is selected and starts before that date. Curry has named Sarah Gardial, dean of the Tippie College of Business, and David Ryfe, director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, to serve as co-chairs of the search committee for a new dean and anticipates inviting final candidates to campus this fall.