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NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: A black-and-white photo of Margaret Rowe is available from the Purdue University News Service, (765) 494-2096, or from the Purdue News ftp site at ftp://ftp.purdue.edu/pub/uns/

December 3, 1996

Rowe becomes dean of Purdue's School of Liberal Arts

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Margaret M. Rowe has been named dean of the Purdue University School of Liberal Arts. Her appointment is effective Jan. 1.

Rowe, professor of English and head of Purdue's Department of English, was appointed by President Steven C. Beering upon recommendation of a search committee of faculty, staff, students and alumni. She succeeds interim dean Thomas P. Adler, who took over the post when former dean David Caputo left to become president of Hunter College.

"Dr. Rowe brings a wealth of experience and wisdom to this position," Beering said. "During a 27-year career at Purdue, she has been an award-winning teacher, a nationally respected thinker in her discipline and a forward-looking leader."

Robert L. Ringel, executive vice president for academic affairs, said: "The support given to Dr. Rowe's candidacy by the faculty, staff and students was simply extraordinary. She is viewed as a person of great intelligence, administrative accomplishment, and as one who truly cares for other people. It's very gratifying to find a person of Dr. Rowe's caliber within our own ranks. She will provide outstanding leadership."

The School of Liberal Arts, which has 11 departments, is the second largest school at Purdue with 5,638 students and 341 faculty members.

Rowe joined the faculty in 1969 and was named head of the department in 1990. In addition she served as assistant dean in the School of Humanities, Social Science and Education from 1973 to 1976; was director of graduate studies in English from 1981 to 1986; and chairwoman of the Women's Studies Program from 1983 to 1984. Her teaching and research interests include 20th century British fiction and poetry, commonwealth literature and women's studies.

"I work hard, and I think that's one of my strongest assets," Rowe said. "I'm also energetic and eager to learn. I'm elated and deeply honored to be selected to lead such a fine school."

This year Rowe won the Helen B. Schleman Gold Medallion award from Mortar Board, a student service honor society. She received the Violet Haas Award in 1992 from the Purdue Council on the Status of Women, the Faculty Award from the Association of Women Students in 1990, and several teaching awards.

Rowe holds a bachelor's degree from Holy Family College and master's and doctoral degrees from Temple University. Both schools are in Philadelphia .

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Source: Margaret Rowe, (765) 494-6478; e-mail, mmrowe@omni.cc.purdue.edu

Writer: Beth Forbes, (765) 494-9723; e-mail; beth_forbes@purdue.edu

Photo Caption

Margaret M. Rowe, head of the Department of English, today (12/3/96) was named dean of Purdue 's School of Liberal Arts.


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