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Faculty Director of College Houses:
Dr. Philip Nichols

After four successful years of launching and leading Penn's College House program, Dr. David B. Brownlee will step down as director at the end of the academic year and will resume full-time teaching in the history of art department this coming fall. His tenure as Faculty Master of Harnwell College House continues through 2004, and he will provide oversight on future College House renovations and renewal. Dr. Brownlee came to Penn in 1980 and, after chairing the committees that planned and implemented the new residential system, was appointed director of College Houses and Academic Services in 1998.

Dr. Brownlee has been "a visionary director whose tenacity and enthusiasm have transformed residential living," said Provost Robert Barchi. Across campus, Dr. Brownlee has received much praise for his work, including recruiting and leading the senior staff in all 12 undergraduate residences, implementing dozens of innovative programs that now enhance the academic life of residents, and overseeing enormous renovations in the Quadrangle and other architectural projects. "David has been a dynamic, inventive leader of the College House system since its inception," said Provost Barchi. "Although he will be sorely missed, his greatest achievement may be that he built a strong infrastructure of incredibly talented, dedicated College House staff, led by some of Penn's finest faculty members."

Dr. Barchi has appointed Dr. Philip Nichols, associate professor of legal studies and Faculty Master of Stouffer College House, to the position of Faculty Director of College Houses. Currently lecturing on Law and Legal Concepts at National University of Mongolia as a Fulbright Scholar, Dr. Nichols has been at Penn since 1992 and holds many awards. He has received Wharton's Excellence in Teaching Award (Undergraduate Division) every year from 1994 to the present. He also holds the 1996 David W. Hauck Award for Outstanding Teaching, and a Lindback Award, which he received in 2000. Dr. Nichols was a Faculty Fellow in Stouffer College House from 1996-97 and was appointed to the mastership in 1998. Through his-open door policy with residents and warm, personal columns in Stouffersphere, the House newsletter, Dr. Nichols is widely admired as a Faculty Master. Dr. Barchi noted, "I have no doubt that Phil Nichols will be a terrific successor to build on the strong groundwork that David has laid."

Dr. Peter Conn, Deputy Provost, also expressed gratitude to Dr. Brownlee and enthusiasm for Dr. Nichols. "David Brownlee has done a truly extraordinary job over the last four years. His commitment to the College Houses has been remarkable. I am particularly pleased that Phil Nichols has agreed to take the position of Faculty Director. Phil has been involved with the College Houses for a number of years and is genuinely dedicated to students' well-being."

The Faculty Director will provide leadership for the House Deans and academic oversight, while working with the Residential Faculty Council, chaired by Dr. Mark Liberman. A new position, Director of College Houses and Academic Services, has been created to oversee daily operations.


Almanac, Vol. 48, No. 21, February 5, 2002

ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS:

Tuesday,
February 5, 2002
Volume 48 Number 21
www.upenn.edu/almanac/

The first Neal Nathanson Lecture will be given next week by Dr. Stanley Prusiner, Nobel Laureate and Penn alumnus.
After four years at the helm of the College House Program, Dr. David Brownlee steps down as director and turns over the wheel to a fellow faculty master.
When is Spring Recess? Well, now it is Spring Break--at least on the Academic Calendar--to be consistent with Fall Break.
Mix more than a dozen committees, a multi-year timeline, five institutional goals, six academic priorities, and several organizational priorities and the result is a new Strategic Plan which will soon be published For Comment.
The Council Committee on Communications reports on its findings from a one-year review of the Policy on Privacy in the Electronic Environment.
Improving pedestrian safety is a multi-step challenge.
Environmental Health and Radiation Safety offers information, thermometer exchange, and training for employees who handle hazardous substances.
Researchers make discoveries concerning King Midas, kidney disease, Alzheimer's disease, immune system and major depressive disorder.
The University Research Foundation's latest awards go to 48 projects--from The Art of Urbanism in Feudal Aquitaine to Evaluating a Hospital Quality Improvement Model for Developing Countries.
Discounted tickets are available to attend Annenberg Center events and a Basketball Game at the Palestra.
Penn Public Safety Institute provides the community with a glimpse of police work from behind-the-scenes; the next program begins tomorrow. Apply now.