COLUMBUS -- Jerry Ladman, professor of agricultural, environmental and development economics at The Ohio State University, has been named associate provost for international affairs, effective Sept. 8, 2000, subject to the approval by the Board of Trustees.

Ladman will head the new Office of International Affairs, which will improve coordination among international programs throughout the university, enhance access to these programs for students, faculty, staff and the broader community; and provide the stimulus for expanding and enhancing the university's international presence. This will include exploring the possibility of a degree-granting School of International and Public Affairs.

In announcing the appointment today (9/7), Ohio State's Executive Vice President and Provost Edward J. Ray said, "In advancing the mission of this university, it is absolutely essential that Ohio State provide the best support possible for its faculty to carry out significant research, teaching and outreach programs on international programs. The mandate of this new office is to bring this about."

In addition, Ladman announced the formation of a faculty advisory council to assist him in developing strategies to foster collaboration among international programs on campus and to assess long-term program possibilities. Members include Diane Birkbichler, chair of the Department of French and Italian and director of the Foreign Language Center; Joseph Branin, director of University Libraries; Steve Cecchetti, economics professor; John Greisberger, assistant vice president and director of the Office of International Education; Fredrick Hitzhusen, professor of agricultural, environmental and development economics; Kay Bea Jones, associate professor of architecture; Edward Mansfield, associate professor of political science; Hagop Mekhjian, associate dean for clinical affairs in the College of Medicine and Public Health; Isaac Mowoe, associate professor of African-American and African Studies; Tony Mughan, professor of political science; Mary Ellen O'Connell, associate professor of law; and Geoffrey Parker, Andreas Dorpalen Professor for history.

Ladman, a resident of WORTHINGTON, joined the university faculty in 1990 as a professor of agricultural, environmental and development economics.

"With an already impressive history of faculty research and international programs as well as support for students in their quest to open up the world, this is the next logical step in elevating the university's international presence," Ladman said. "And I'm thrilled to be part of the process."

Ladman brings extensive international experience to the position, having served as director of the OSU Latin American Studies Program, resident director of study abroad programs, chief of party for an Ohio State project in the Dominican Republic, and director of the Ohio LEAD Program in the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. Prior to coming to Ohio State, Ladman was director of the Center for Latin American Studies at Arizona State University and was with the Ford Foundation in Mexico. He also has served as a consultant to a number of international organizations.

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(LO)