Dec. 13, 2007 -- Dr. Lynita Cooksey has been selected to serve as interim dean of the University College at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, effective Jan. 1, 2008.

Cooksey is a veteran faculty member and administrator at ASU, having served in various capacities since joining the university staff in 1993.

She will succeed Dr. Herman Strickland, who has announced his retirement from the university at the end of December, according to Dr. Glen Jones, interim vice chancellor for academic affairs and research, who made the announcement.

"Dr. Cooksey will do an excellent job with providing leadership in the University College during this critical time of transition. Her wide array of skills and breadth of experience will serve the university well over the next few months," Jones said. "We will conduct a national search in the spring semester and hope to have the successful candidate on board by July 1."

Cooksey has served since June 2000 as associate vice chancellor for academic services, and she will continue in that role also. Previously she was associate dean of what was then the College of Arts and Sciences, and she taught in the Department of Biological Sciences for several years. She earned her doctoral degree in entomology at Oklahoma State University.

"I want to continue to grow the services of the University College, which provides students with tools for academic success and increases opportunities to enrich and enhance their university experience."

University College includes the First Year Studies Program, Student Athlete Academic Success Center, Student Support Services, Upward Bound Programs, and the Wilson Center for Academic Advising and Learning Assistance.