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K-State Today

April 1, 2020

Scott Tanona named College of Arts and Sciences associate dean for academic affairs

Submitted by College of Arts and Sciences

Following an internal search, the College of Arts and Sciences has named Scott Tanona as the new associate dean for academic affairs, effective June 28.

Tanona is an associate professor in the philosophy department. He has served on many committees and initiatives during his time in the College of Arts and Sciences, including Faculty Senate Academic Affairs and Arts and Sciences' College Committee on Planning.

Tanona's research focuses on the history and philosophy of physics, values in science and the role of science in society. His research has been published in journals such as Philosophy of Science, Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics, Synthese and Philosophical Studies. He recently received a National Science Foundation grant with colleagues in philosophy and physics to study scientists' views about the goals and values of science, to learn how we can improve responsible conduct of research. His research and teaching are both interdisciplinary. He relies on a combination of formal, empirical and humanistic approaches, and collaborates with people across the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. He also co-hosts the K-State Global Food Systems podcast, "Something to Chew On," which engages in conversations about the science, ethics and policies related to our food systems.

Tanona earned a bachelor's degree in physics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1992, and worked in software and database development for several years while pursuing a master's degree in philosophy from Tufts University, which he received in 1996. He returned to school to earn a doctorate in history and philosophy of science in 2002 from Indiana University. Before coming to K-State, he was a Mellon Postdoctoral Fellow in the Humanities at Stanford University, from 2002-2005.

Tanona succeeds Louise Benjamin, who is a professor in the A.Q. Miller School of Journalism and Mass Communications. She has served as the associate dean for academic affairs since January 2014 and plans to retire this summer.

Among his responsibilities as associate dean for academic affairs, Tanona will coordinate curriculum changes, work with departments to manage online and face-to-face summer classes, coordinate Global Campus courses and programs of study, work with Education Abroad to coordinate study abroad programs and course offerings, oversee Arts and Sciences students' work in the University Honors Program, and represent the university on the Kansas Board of Regents' Transfer and Articulation Council.