Zorn appointed Interim Dean of IU School of Public and Environmental Affairs

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) Chancellor Charles R. Bantz today announced the appointment of an interim successor for Astrid E. Merget, dean of the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA), pending approval by the IU Board of Trustees.

Bantz said Kurt Zorn, professor and associate dean of Academic Affairs of SPEA, will serve as interim dean while a search for Merget's successor is conducted. Merget is leaving Indiana University to become the executive vice chancellor and provost of Louisiana State University. Her appointment at LSU begins Aug. 1.

"I've seen Kurt do excellent work on a university-wide task force as well as Associate Dean," Bantz said. "He has the breadth of experience, commitment to excellence, and sharp analytical skills to lead SPEA in this transition. My thanks also to Dean Merget for her leadership as SPEA is fiscally solid and positioned for continued achievement."

"Professor Kurt Zorn has served for six years as SPEA's Associate Dean with great integrity and purposefulness in overseeing academic and fiscal affairs," Merget said. "He will serve with distinction as interim dean with his great grasp of the School's core campus at Bloomington and Indianapolis as well its regional campuses. In this time of transition Dean Zorn will sustain the School's distinction and the faculty's engagement in our contemporary mission of public service."

Zorn received his Ph.D. from Syracuse University (1981). His research interests focus on state and local finance, transportation safety, and economic development. He has published numerous articles in all three areas and is a co-author of a book on Aviation Safety published by Oxford Press in 1992. In March of 1997 he was appointed Chairperson of the Citizens' Commission on Taxes by Governor O'Bannon. In addition, he serves as a Director of the Indiana Bond Bank. From January 1991 to August 1994 he served as Chairman, Indiana State Board of Tax Commissioners. Before that he served as Director of State Relations for Indiana University and advisor to the President of Indiana University. Professor Zorn also has served as a consultant to the United States Department of Commerce, United States Department of Transportation, the State of Indiana, Indiana Infrastructure Inc., and the President's Commission on Aviation Safety.

Bantz, who has received recommendations for appointments to the search committee for a SPEA dean, is expected to announce its membership shortly.