Larry Berman, founding dean of the Honors College at Georgia State University, will step down from his position, effective July 1.
A renowned scholar and author on different aspects of the Vietnam War era and its legacy, Dean Berman will be on research leave for the upcoming academic year to focus on research and writing for his next book, “A Slow Walk With Death: The Lingering Legacy of Agent Orange.”
In Fall 2021, he will return to teach in the Honors College, advise students on their theses and continue his university service.
“My time as dean has been deeply gratifying and rewarding,” Berman said. “I have been inspired each day to serve this remarkable university alongside our incredibly dedicated staff, faculty and community.”
Sarah Cook, associate dean, will serve as interim dean for the 2020-21 academic year. Dr. Marise Parent, faculty associate for Research & Theses, will serve as interim associate dean during that time.
For the past decade, Dean Berman has provided dedicated and solid leadership in overseeing the founding and growth of the Honors College, fulfilling one of the university’s greatest initiatives under its 2011-21 strategic plan, said Provost Wendy Hensel. Since its creation, the Honors College has served thousands of highly motivated students on the Atlanta and Perimeter campuses.
“In leading the evolution of the university’s previous Honors Program into a college, he has seen to it that the college continues to grow as a vibrant community serving to advance undergraduate scholarship, enhance research, foster service and compete for prestigious awards and scholarships,” Hensel said. “Through his leadership, the college has attracted high-ability students through the Presidential Scholarship and the University Assistantship Program, and has provided support for more numerous prestigious national awards, including Gilman Scholars, Fulbright U.S. Student Program Scholars, U.K. Fulbright Summer Institute participants, Goldwater Scholarship recipients, and other distinctive awards and fellowships.”