FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — University of Arkansas professor William Schwab, chair of the department of sociology and criminal justice in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, has been named interim dean of Fulbright College, effective July 1.

He will succeed Donald Bobbitt, who is leaving the university to become provost at the University of Texas-Arlington.

"Bill Schwab is well respected as a scholar, teacher and researcher and knows Fulbright College well, having served previously as an associate dean,” said chancellor-elect G. David Gearhart. “He will provide important leadership to the college during this interim period as we conduct a national search for Dean Bobbitt's replacement. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Schwab for his willingness to accept this interim leadership position.”

A committee will be formed in the near future to begin a national search for a permanent dean for the Fulbright College.

Schwab served as associate dean of Fulbright College from 1993 to 1998 and has been chair of the sociology and criminal justice department twice, from 1989 to 1993 and from 1998 to the present. He has written three books and numerous articles, papers and technical reports, and has received research grants totaling more than $2.5 million.

“Bill Schwab understands well the challenges facing Fulbright College and its faculty, and he has an abiding interest in the education of our students,” said interim Provost Bob McMath. “I am confident that he will provide outstanding leadership during this interim period, and I look forward to supporting his efforts during the coming months.”

During his tenure as professor, department chair and associate dean, Schwab has served on many university, community and national committees. His contributions at the national level include work with organizations such as the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Office of University Partnerships in the U.S. State Department. He also has served as an international development consultant in Bolivia and Jordan for U.S. Agency for International Development.

His research areas of specialization include urban ecology, community development and demography, with interests in urban change on the neighborhood level, economic development in the less developed world, and cultural resource management.

“I am looking forward to addressing the many challenges facing Fulbright College during this interim period,” said Schwab. “I believe that working together with Chancellor-elect Gearhart, Provost McMath and my colleagues in this outstanding faculty we can make great strides during this transitional period.”

Schwab has a baccalaureate degree in chemistry and master’s degrees in both urban planning and sociology. He earned his doctoral degree in sociology from Ohio State University in 1976 and joined the University of Arkansas faculty the same year.