The former chairman of NIU’s philosophy department took a new position as the associate dean of the college of liberal arts and sciences on July 1.

LA&S Dean James Norris said Donald Cress was selected by a committee composed of three members of the College Senate and three members of the College Council, which accepted applications during the internal search. The search for the associate dean to replace Charles Trott began in spring of 1990.

While the position was vacant, Anthony Scaperlanda of the economics department filled in on a temporary basis. Cress expressed graditude to Scaperlanda because he helped to ease the transition into the position.

Marilyn Skinner, former committee member working on the associate dean’s appointment and chair of the department of foreign language and literature, said “I believe Cress was a very good choice with exceptional qualifications.”

Norris said he felt very good about Cress’ appointment, calling it “an outstanding appointment.”

Cress’ accomplishments include fellowships from The National Endowment for The Humanities and from The American Council of Education.

Cress said during the spring semester he was working on a “faculty development project and learning classical Greek” through Wheaton College. Cress said since he is able to work a great deal on his own, he will “work something out” with Wheaton College to acomodate his work as associate dean and continue the project in the fall.