Baird, will succeed Peter Sederberg, who is retiring. He will begin his duties July 1.

"I am very fortunate to have been given the opportunity, with Honors College students and staff, to lead this very successful college to its next level of accomplishment," Baird said. "I think of the Honors College as the tip of the sword, leading USC in its mission to train future leaders for South Carolina and beyond. Fundamental to this mission is instilling in our students research skills and the habit of using these skills to improve our world. Further developing the way that the University involves students in research, from art to anthropology and English to engineering, will be a key goal in my work as dean."

Baird, who also is the Louise Fry Scudder professor of philosophy, is the principal investigator on a $1.3 million interdisciplinary National Science Foundation grant that examines the societal and ethical interactions of nanotechnology.

Since joining USC’s faculty in 1982 as an assistant professor, Baird has been deeply involved in research, teaching, and University service. Baird is chair of the University Faculty Budget Committee and has served on numerous other committees, including the Provost's Legislative Liaison Committee and the Dean Search Committee for the College of Arts and Sciences.

Baird began his teaching career as an instructor at Stanford University, where he earned his master's in the philosophy of science and his doctorate in the philosophy of science and language and logic. He earned his bachelor's degree in philosophy and math from Brandeis University.

Provost Mark Becker said the leadership, experience, and commitment that Baird brings to his new role will make him a valuable member of USC’s administrative team and will garner the respect of faculty, staff, and students in the Honors College.

"Davis Baird is an exceptionally talented scholar and educator who works at the interface of philosophy and science," Becker said. "His experiences developing nationally prominent partnerships and teams across a broad spectrum of disciplines make him an extremely well qualified leader for the Honors College."

5/05