Friday, August 9, 2002

WRITER: Sharron Hannon, (706) 583-0728, shannon@uga.edu
CONTACT: Karen Holbrook, 706/542-5806

GRASSO APPOINTED DEAN OF UGA GRADUATE SCHOOL

ATHENS, Ga. — Maureen Grasso has been appointed dean of the University of Georgia’s Graduate School following a national search. The appointment is effective Sept. 15, pending approval of the University System of Georgia Board of Regents.

Grasso has been an administrator with the Graduate School at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro since 1998, serving as associate dean and then interim dean. She also served a term as chair of the Faculty Senate. During her tenure with the Graduate School, she instituted the school’s first advisory board, as well as a doctoral forum to address issues raised by doctoral students, and lobbied successfully for funding for health care benefits for teaching assistants. She also redesigned the process for awarding assistantships and oversaw conversion to a Web-based application process.

"Dr. Grasso has a track record of effective leadership and has shown a true passion for graduate education," said UGA President Michael F. Adams. "She comes to the University of Georgia with strong recommendations from those who’ve had opportunities to work with her and we look forward to seeing her in action here."

Grasso received her bachelor’s degree from Utah State University, and holds a master’s from Cornell and a doctorate from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She began her academic career at the University of Texas at Austin as an instructor in human ecology and advanced to head of the textiles and apparel program.

"Dr. Grasso’s successful experiences as a faculty member, faculty leader and academic administrator at two major universities will serve her well as dean of the Graduate School," said Karen A. Holbrook, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. "She has shown she is adept at working productively with students, faculty, staff, administrators and external constituents."

An active researcher in the field of textile science, Grasso helped to develop a standard for children’s sleepwear and has served as an expert witness regarding flammability of work clothes and children’s sleepwear. She also developed fabric shading and dehumidification devices for commercial and residential buildings, and currently serves as associate editor of the Clothing and Textile Research Journal. She is on the board of directors of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and received the Atlanta-based organization’s Distinguished Service Award.

At UGA, Grasso will hold an academic appointment as professor of textile sciences in the department of textiles, merchandising and interiors in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences.

NOTE TO EDITORS: A photo of Maureen Grasso is available at www.photo.alumni.uga.edu. To access the site, call Rick O'Quinn at UGA Photo Services (706/542-8085) to obtain a password.

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