SMU has extended its Dedman College Dean Search for one year, appointing anthropology professor Caroline B. Brettell as interim dean from July 1 to June 30, 2007. During that time, a search committee will conduct a national search for a permanent dean to succeed Jasper Neel, who resigned earlier in the school year to return to full-time teaching in the English department.

“Caroline Brettell will bring to this new task proven leadership skills, an understanding of the College and the University, and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” said SMU Provost Robert Blocker in a prepared statement. “We are fortunate to have the benefit of her leadership as acting dean of Dedman College during the upcoming year.”

Brettell, who has taught at SMU since 1988, has a history of leadership on the Hilltop.

She served as chair of the department of anthropology from 1994 to 2004. She also served as president of the Faculty Senate from 2001-2002 and director of the Women’s Studies Program from 1989 to 1994. She earned her B.A. degree from Yale University and both M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Brown University.

Brettell currently is the principal investigator for a project funded by the Russell Sage Foundation and another project sponsored by the National Science Foundation.