Zimmerman named associate dean for College of Arts and Sciences

Dennis Papini, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, has announced Jason Zimmerman will become the college’s associate dean. Zimmerman, who currently is an assistant department head with the Department of Economics, will start in his new role June 22. Zimmerman will continue to teach microeconomic theory.

Zimmerman takes over for Kathleen Donovan, who has served as the college’s associate dean for six years. Donovan, who also served as acting dean, will retire following the spring semester.

“Associate Dean Donovan has been a tireless and effective advocate of the value of a liberal education at South Dakota State University, and her impact will continue to guide the College of Arts and Sciences into the future,” Papini said. “Professor Zimmerman brings many of these same engaging qualities to the college as well as an unparalleled knowledge of the institution and the Regental system. As an economist, Jason is equally committed to providing students with the best possible liberal education in and out of the classroom.”

The associate dean oversees the college’s academic programs, guides all undergraduate and graduate curriculum and program changes, works to facilitate accreditation and re-accreditation efforts, and provides oversight for all student academic matters as well as student recruitment and services.

“I am excited for the opportunity to join the leadership team in the College of Arts and Sciences, and I look forward to working with our faculty, department heads and Dean Papini to advance the mission of the college,” Zimmerman said. “It’s an opportunity to work with a broad group of departments. The disciplines within the college range from chemistry to music to visual arts to the social sciences, which makes it a really exciting place to work.”

Zimmerman has been an SDSU faculty member since 1999. He has also been the interim director of the Ness Division of Management and Economics.

“When I got into administration, as an assistant department head, I found it was something I really enjoyed,” Zimmerman said. “It’s not necessarily a role that’s visible to students but you’re doing a lot to help things move along in the department. Even though students don’t always see that, in the same way they see instructors in front of them in the classroom, you’re working on items that contribute to their success, and I find that gratifying.”