Two MSU deans announced late last week their plans to leave their positions in pursuit of other career goals.

Janie Fouke, who became MSU's first female dean of the College of Engineering in 1999, has accepted the position of provost at the University of Florida. Glenn Davis, dean of the College of Human Medicine, resigned from the position he's held for four years, he said, to explore broader roles in higher education.

MSU President Lou Anna K. Simon said it's not unusual for deans in the large universities to step down after a typical tenure of about four years.

"MSU is very fortunate to have deans that have been at or beyond that average," she said.

Fouke will be replaced by Satish Udpa, chairman of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. The MSU Board of Trustees will hold a special meeting on Tuesday to consider the appointment of Udpa. He is expected to assume the duties of acting dean on Wednesday.

Fouke, who said she is excited to begin her new job in August, said she is confident that the college will be left in good hands when she leaves.

"The College of Engineering is on a positive trajectory, and I expect that to continue, even to escalate," Fouke said. "I'm proud to be a part of the era in which that has taken place."

From Iowa to MSU

Udpa was a professor at Iowa State University prior to coming to MSU in 2001. His research interests and work include helping develop of noninvasive tools for clinical applications.

"He's forward looking and thoughtful," Fouke said. "He's concerned about people, but at the same time expects people to live up to their commitments and holds them up to high standards."

Udpa said there are a number of interesting programs and initiatives happening in the college, such as biotechnology and information security that he can't wait to get started on.

"I'm really, really excited about the job," Udpa said, adding that Fouke did a great job as dean. "I've learned a lot from her, and I want to build upon the things she did here at MSU."

Med-school mover

Davis, who resigned from his position effective June 30, declined an interview Friday, but in a written statement said he wanted "to explore broader roles in higher education and the health-care arena."

"After deciding it was time for a change, it became clear that my intent to pursue other options would interfere with the day-to-day management and leadership of the college, which deserve full-time attention," Davis said in a statement.

Davis was one of the key players in the effort to move portions of MSU's medical school to Grand Rapids.

Acting Provost John Hudzik said the selection of an interim dean will be named within the next couple of weeks.

Simon said Davis improved the quality of the medical school during his tenure by recruiting highly qualified faculty, playing a leadership role in discussions with Grand Rapids health officials and bringing a more business-minded perspective to the college.

"He has made positive contributions to MSU," Simon said. "He generated a momentum for the college, and we're excited to build on his work."