Dean Marske will step down at end of year

During a faculty meeting last week, Dr. Charles Marske, dean of the college of liberal arts and education, announced to those in attendance that he would be stepping down and joining the criminal justice department to work with the Center for Security and Intelligence Studies effective the 2010-11 fall semester."His college supports so many things. His leadership and management are key to what they are doing," said Pamela Zarkowski, vice president of academic affairs.

Marske came to the university in June 2004 from a rich background based in "sociology with a flavor of criminal justice," he said.

As dean, Marske developed some needed foundations of support for the college. One of these first pillars was the creation and implementation of a strategic plan.

Additionally, Marske "built strong alumni relationships," said Zarkowski.

The college had a limited alumni council, which is now flourishing and doing great things for the university, said Marske. The council has helped with everything from selling season tickets and attending afterglows for The Theatre Company to supporting various other departments and participating in the upcoming CLAE Alumni Week.

Marske is also credited with founding the CLAE Dean's Advisory Board, which is comprised of high-placed alumni and supporters from across the country. Members come to the university twice a year and "help with strategic issues, generate ideas, funding and activities," said Marske. "They've been very helpful."

He also launched the CLAE Dean's Student Advisory Board. It was started but trickled off a couple of times, he said. However, it is a strong asset now.

Students "are our clients. Their voices should be heard," he said.

Giving an example of some of their work, Marske discussed an issue the students brought to him regarding degrees. They questioned whether a degree within the psychology department should be a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science degree. They felt the science degree might be more marketable.

The students also said that one of their objectives "is to see how CLAE students can help this college grow and flourish," Marske said.

He noted that he finds it gratifying to see fulltime students with fulltime responsibilities looking for ways to help the college.

"If it weren't for these foundations," he said, "we wouldn't have contributions like the Neal Shine Media Center." Alumni of The Varsity News were the driving force in funding the newspaper's facilities in Briggs Building.

Following that success, other alumni have begun work to raise funds to build new broadcast facilities, he said.

New computers and other state-of-the-art equipment are needed to help the program, he said. The committee plans to reach out to old alumni who were a part of the broadcast program in hopes of gaining involvement and support.

One of the steps toward this goal was the hiring of Prof. Jason Roche to reestablish and grow the program.

Marske "is a real advocate for the college," said Dr. Vivian Dicks, chair of the communication studies department. "We will miss his support."

Marske said he is proud of the new faculty he's hired in numerous departments.

Another accomplishment during his tenure is the CLAE Hall of Honor - located on the first floor in the Briggs Building - which he established with the help of Jennifer Dafoe, CLAE director of development. It was created to "recognize alumni who have lived exceptional lives in the Jesuit and Mercy tradition," said Marske.

In his transition to the criminal justice department, Marske hopes to direct the Center for Security and Intelligence Studies. He said the beauty of placing these diverse programs under one umbrella is that it will marry liberal arts logic and critical thinking with the high-tech and applied aspects of computer information systems.

Additionally, there is a proposal underway for high-achieving students to obtain master's degrees in five years in one of two tracks: either obtain a BA in criminal justice and receive a master's in intelligence analysis or criminal justice or get a BA in computer information systems and a master's in either information assurance or intelligence analysis.

Marske said he looks forward to getting back into the classroom and teaching as well doing research and writing.

A search will begin soon for Marske's successor, and he wants to make sure the next dean steps in with some of the resources that he or she will need.

"If needed," Marske said, "I'd be more than happy to mentor and answer questions for whoever would be my successor."

Zarkowski said the university will begin a search soon and will most likely work with EFL Associates to find candidates. A committee will be formed from the college and a chair named.

The timing is good, because most people make their movies in summer, she said.

"Marske will be missed," she said.

"But I'm glad he's not leaving," she said. "He turned CLAE around on a lot of fronts. He created an energy and vibrancy. The whole college benefited from him."

Marske said he said has enjoyed those with whom he has worked.

"My greatest joy has been working with the faculty and students," he said. Furthermore, he's enjoyed working with college administrators, deans, vice presidents and the president.

"This is a good place for me," Marske said. "This university is truly an urban university with an urban mission it takes very seriously.

"It's a lived mission.