UI names third finalist for College of Liberal Arts and Sciences post

IOWA CITY - A professor and administrator from the University of Missouri is the third finalist for the position of dean of the University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Patricia Okker is a tenured professor of English and faculty fellow in the Office of the Provost at the University of Missouri. From 2005 to 2011, she chaired the department of English, overseeing a department of 70 faculty members, more than 500 undergraduate majors and more than 100 graduate students.

In leading the department, she worked with staff and faculty to increase student participation in intensive research and creative experiences; fostered the development of several faculty-led study abroad programs; and advanced numerous academic partnerships within the college and across campus.

Okker will interview Thursday and Friday on the UI campus. An open forum will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday in room W290 of the Chemistry Building with a reception to follow at 5 p.m.

She has a bachelor's degree from Allegheny College in Pennsylvania, a master's degree from the University of Georgia and a doctorate from the University of Illinois.