Obia Named Associate Dean of EIU's College of Sciences
Dec-16-2003
Godson C. Obia has been named associate dean of the College of Sciences at Eastern Illinois University.
He has served as acting associate dean since October 2000. Previously, he served as a professor in Eastern's Department of Geology/Geography, having arrived on Eastern's campus in August 1994.
"I am very pleased that Dr. Obia will be the associate dean of the College of Sciences ," said Dean Mary Anne Hanner. "During the past three years, he has gained substantial knowledge and expertise in the functions of the college that will serve us well as he continues.
"Dr. Obia's successful faculty career provided him with great appreciation for the interests of faculty, staff and students in the college. His many fine qualities will facilitate his success as associate dean."
Responsibilities of Obia's new position include the management of personal services, operating and summer session budgets and other college budgets; monitoring faculty assignment of duties and teaching schedules, including overload and reassigned time; management of the College of Sciences' facilities and assigned space; assistance with the development of college priorities and planning documents; assistance with the development and implementation of policies and procedures related to college functions; and serving as the college representative at various meetings and events.
"I am delighted to be selected the associate dean of the College of Sciences after serving in an acting capacity for three years," Obia said. "I will continue to work collaboratively with Dean Hanner to maintain the high standards of the college and its constituent departments and programs."
Prior to coming to Eastern, Obia was a tenured associate professor at the University of Nebraska at Kearney . He received his doctorate and did post-doctoral research at the University of Oklahoma , Norman ; received his master's degree from the University of Toronto ; and earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Nigeria , located in Nsukka , Nigeria.
While at Eastern, Obia has received Teaching Excellence Award Recognition from the Association of American Geographers and two Achievement and Contribution Awards from EIU. He also is in his second term as director of the Africa Specialty Group, Association of American Geographers.
He is the recipient of a Junior Fellowship Award, presented through the University of Nigeria.
He and his wife, Nnenna, reside in Charleston.
