Commonwealth College Appoints IST Program Head
November 8,2000
University Park, PA -- John L. Leathers, interim Dean of the Commonwealth College, has named Richard F. Dempsey, assistant professor of computer science and engineering at Penn State Worthington Scranton, information sciences and technology program head for the Commonwealth College effective January 1.

As IST program head, Dempsey will provide disciplinary guidance and advice to the Collegeís associate deans as well as the directors of academic affairs at the Collegeís 12 campus locations. Specifically, he will review and approve faculty credentials, assist with faculty searches, guide the professional development of faculty, review sabbatical and research proposals, and support faculty award nominations. In addition, he will evaluate and approve course and program proposals and provide guidance on equipment purchases.

James B. Thomas, Dean of the School of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) has appointed Dempsey to a two-year term as chairman of the School of ISTís Baccalaureate Degree Curriculum Committee. The committee, which includes representatives from University Park and campus colleges currently offering IST baccalaureate degrees, is primarily responsible for reviewing and approving proposed changes to the IST baccalaureate degree program before those changes are submitted to the Faculty Senate.

Dempsey has taught at Penn State since 1972. He has served as the coordinator of the IST program at Worthington Scranton since 1999; has served as coordinator of Worthington Scrantonís associate degree program in computer science; and coordinated the management information systems options of its associate and baccalaureate business degree programs. Dempsey was also a member of the IST Associate Degree Design Committee and currently serves as a member of the IST Minor Committee.

For more information please contact Bill Hessert at or (814) 863-0327