The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees at its regularly scheduled meeting today on the Springfield campus approved two faculty appointments and one staff promotion. The Board also approved the naming of the new Harry Gallatin Golf Training Facility.
The Board confirmed the appointment of John Navin, Ph.D., as interim dean of The SIUE School of Business. Navin stepped into the role when former dean Gary Giamartino resigned effective June 30 to assume the same duties at La Salle University in Philadelphia.
A professor of economics and finance, Navin has been a member of the School of Business faculty since 1991 and served as chair of his department. At the University level, he has held key leadership roles as chair of the University Planning and Budget Council (UPBC) from 2007 to 2010; chair of the chancellor’s Search Advisory Committee in 2011-2012; and chair of the Salary Equity Task Force from 2009-2010.
Dr. Mark Ruscin was confirmed as chair of the department of Pharmacy Practice in the SIUE School of Pharmacy effective July 12. A professor of pharmacy, Ruscin has served as acting chair of the department of Pharmacy Practice since March 2012. He was selected from a pool of seven candidates for his wide range of experience in education, research, service and administration.
Scott Belobrajdic was promoted from assistant vice chancellor for Enrollment Management to associate vice chancellor for Enrollment Management. During his six years leading prospective student recruitment, Belobrajdic’s team has seen record-setting growth. SIUE’s enrollment peaked at 14,255 during the 2011-12 academic year, while the University’s largest freshman class arrived in Fall 2012 with 2,070 new students.
The Board turned to intercollegiate athletics and approved naming SIUE’s new indoor golf practice facility and outdoor driving range as the Harry Gallatin Golf Training Facility. Official ground-breaking for the project, which is 100 percent privately funded, occurred on June 24. The naming recognizes $350,000 in gifts secured in Gallatin’s name. He is a long-time SIUE coach and faculty member.