For Gary Manson, good faculty is going to make his new job as acting dean of the College of Social Science just a little bit easier.

Manson was officially named acting dean at Friday’s MSU Board of Trustees meeting. He has been informally performing the job since August.

“In one sense, it’s an honor to be asked to be acting dean,” he said. “It’s (also) a challenge for its size and complexity of the college.”

Searching for administrators, faculty and funds are all among things Manson said are on his plate of things to accomplish.

“There’s quite a list of business,” he said. “It’s not an easy job but it makes the job a pleasure when you have good people to work with.

“And we do.”

Manson replaces Philip Smith, who has served as acting dean since May 1999. A nationwide search for a full-time dean continues, and officials hope to fill the position by the spring.

A faculty member in the college for about 30 years, Manson has served as professor, chairperson of the Geography Department, director of the Center for Integrative Studies-Social Science and associate dean for academic and student affairs in the college.

Robert Banks, assistant provost for academic human resources, said Manson was chosen because he’s well-known for his past contributions.

Banks said administrators met with the faculty advisory council and talked with others in the college before choosing Manson.

“He comes with a good reputation and a lot of faculty experience and had the confidence of the college faculty,” Banks said. “His current administrative expertise and his role as chair