The University has tapped one of its own to become dean of USC Union. Hugh C. Rowland, who has been assistant dean for academic affairs at USC Union since last August, will succeed James Edwards after his retirement in January 2007.

Chris Plyler, vice provost and executive associate dean for regional campuses, said Rowland brings a wealth of experience and understanding to his new job.

"Dr. Hugh Rowland's superb academic background, his strong administrative portfolio, and his proven record in developing learning environments conducive to student success make him an ideal choice to lead USC Union," Plyler said. "Since becoming part of our administration, he has become a strong leader and an outstanding community ambassador for the school, our faculty, and our students."

Edwards said he was pleased that Rowland was selected to become the dean of the campus.

"Not only does he bring and outstanding record in higher education administration and teaching, but he also brings fresh and new ideas to our campus. I have little doubt that he will lead our campus into a period of growth and excellence," Edwards said.

"He and his wife already have become important and valued members of our community. Though I will miss our campus, the faculty, staff, students, and many friends in the community, I leave USC Union in good and capable hands," he said.

Rowland joined USC Union after serving for 17 years as associate dean of Ithaca College's School of Business, where he is credited with increasing enrollment and raising the academic profile of the student body. He also was instrumental in developing new policies and procedures, as well as several programs that became models for other offices on Ithaca's campus. Elsewhere, Rowland was director of student services in the School of Continuing Studies at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore and director of administrative technology and assistant director of professional experience programs at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va.

A native of Lynchburg, Va., Rowland earned his doctorate in higher education from the College of William and Mary and his master's and bachelor's degrees from the University of Virginia, where he also was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.

Rowland, who lives with his wife and son in Union, has joined the board of directors of the Union Chamber of Commerce and become a member of the Union County Historical Society, the Rotary Club of Union, and the Union County Arts Council.

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