Roger Gilman, dean of Western Washington University’s Fairhaven College of Interdisciplinary Studies, is retiring.
Gilman has been dean of Fairhaven College since 2006. He will end his time in the position as at the end of the next academic year in June 2013.
“Under Roger Gilman’s exceptional leadership, Fairhaven College has enhanced its reputation for outstanding scholarship, innovative interdisciplinary education and active outreach and partnerships with local and area communities,” said WWU president Bruce Shepard, in a press release.
Gilman said he had been planning his retirement in 2013 for some time.
“After 30 years of teaching and seven years of administrating I look forward to writing and consulting, traveling and fly-fishing,” Gilman said.
Gilman was one of the first graduates of Fairhaven. In 1973, he received a bachelor’s degree with honors, with a double major in philosophy and literature.
He later received a master’s degree in the philosophy of science and a doctorate in philosophy at the University of Chicago.
Gilman’s academic and research pursuits have specialized in evolutionary and ecological theory, focusing on the interface of biology and ethics – in environmental, medical, biotechnology, research ethics, and theories of human and nonhuman nature.
He has also written on the philosophy of education.
He previously served as the associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago.
While there, he also served as chair of the school’s philosophy department and as a longtime faculty member. He has lectured at numerous universities both in the United States and abroad.
“Dean Gilman has been a valued member of our community and a leader in so many ways,” said WWU provost Catherine Riordan. “His thoughtfulness, optimism, and collaborative spirit will be missed. He has significantly advanced our conversation and action surrounding critical global issues and we are committed to sustaining that focus.”
Gilman has been active in a number of initiatives and projects at the university.
“I’ve enjoyed my work and relationships at Western,” Gilman said. I will leave with a sense of accomplishment having helped further university-wide and college initiatives in international studies, sustainability, leadership, social entrepreneurship, video production, ethics and alternative education; and with success in repositioning the college within the university during an era of severe budget cuts.”
