Chancellor appoints Ellen Weissinger interim vice chancellor

Ellen Weissinger, dean of Graduate Studies, was appointed today by University of Nebraska-Lincoln Chancellor Harvey Perlman as interim senior vice chancellor for academic affairs. The appointment is subject to approval by University of Nebraska President James B. Milliken and the Board of Regents.

Weissinger has held numerous administrative positions at UNL before being appointed dean of graduate studies Jan. 18, 2008. She was the associate director of the Buros Institute for Mental Measurements (1992-1994), associate dean of Teachers College (1995-1999) and executive associate dean of Graduate Studies (2002-2008).

Weissinger is a professor of educational psychology specializing in quantitative research methodology. At UNL, she has taught research methods courses in the Quantitative and Qualitative Methods in Education program, including foundations of educational research, survey methods, experimental methods and evaluation theory. She was recognized with the Teachers College Distinguished Teaching Award in 1999. She specialized in psychometric research and has published three measurement instruments. From 1996-2001 she served as editor of the Journal of Leisure Research.

"This university is exceedingly lucky, as am I as chancellor, to have individuals who are willing to disrupt their own professional careers when the university's interests are at stake," Perlman said today in an e-mail to faculty and staff announcing the appointment. "We are all fortunate that Dr. Weissinger has agreed to serve. She does not intend to become a candidate for the permanent position. I have always been impressed with Dr. Weissinger's administrative abilities and her passion for the university. I know, with the support of the deans, she will be able to lead Academic Affairs during this very challenging period."

Former senior vice chancellor Barbara Couture in November was appointed president of New Mexico State University.

Perlman said a national search for a permanent appointment will begin soon, and estimated the search could take as long as 18 months to hire the permanent vice chancellor.

The Office of the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs is responsible for the administration, coordination, and development of all UNL academic activities and functions. Academic Affairs provides academic leadership for UNL programs and works in cooperation with the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

The UNL academic deans report directly to the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.

A Nebraska native and graduate of Omaha North High School, Weissinger earned her undergraduate degree from UNL in 1980. She completed her master of arts degree at the University of Iowa in 1982 and a doctorate from the University of Maryland in 1985. She taught at the University of Iowa for one year before joining the UNL faculty in 1986. She was promoted to associate professor in 1992 and full professor in 1999.