FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Curt Rom, associate dean of international education, has been named interim dean of the Graduate School and International Education, beginning Jan. 1, 2022.

Interim Provost Terry Martin appointed Rom interim dean this month following the announcement of Dean Patricia R. Koski's retirement this month after a 37-year career at the U of A.

"Curt's extensive experience as a scholar, professor and leader in the Graduate School and International Education as well as in the Honors College makes him a natural choice for this role," said Martin.

Rom previously served as interim dean of the Honors College from 2014-2015 before starting his current role to support international education. An active member of numerous professional organizations, Rom is a past Fulbright Fellow, and served as a Presidential Fellow for the Association of International Education Administrators. He is affiliated with the Association of International Education Administrators, the Council of Graduate Schools and the Conference of Southern Graduate Schools.

"I am so pleased that Dean Rom will be leading GSIE," Koski said. "His experience and knowledgeable guidance for international and graduate students will be an asset to students, staff and faculty."

Rom is a native of Fayetteville and a lifelong Razorback. He earned a bachelor's degree in horticulture from the U of A in 1980 and received his master's and doctoral degrees from The Ohio State University. He joined the U of A faculty in 1989 and became a full professor in 2005.

"It is an honor and a privilege to serve my alma mater in this way," Rom said.

Rom is a member of the University of Arkansas Teaching Academy and served as the organization's president from 2004 to 2006. He has received more than 20 awards for his research, service and teaching during his time at the U of A, including the Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award presented by the University Office of Nationally Competitive Awards for five consecutive years 2012-2016.

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