Duane Roen, ASU dean and Polytechnic campus vice provost, to step down in June 2021

Arizona State University Provost Mark Searle announced Oct. 7 that Duane Roen, vice provost at ASU Polytechnic campus and dean of the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, has asked to step down from his administrative responsibilities effective June 30, 2021.

“Duane has led the college and campus since 2015 and has been extraordinary in leading the growth and development of CISA and connecting the campus more strongly to the community,” wrote Searle in an email to the ASU community. “The college has added programs, expanded into continuing education and boosted online opportunities under Duane’s leadership. The college is in an excellent position to continue its growth and development thanks to the commitment he has made.”  

During Roen’s tenure as dean, the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts has grown to be ASU’s fourth-largest college. It is home to ASU’s largest major, interdisciplinary studies, and new fast-growing degree offerings such as organizational leadership, and counseling and applied psychological science. The number of campus and partner sites in Arizona where someone can earn a College of Integrative Sciences and Arts degree now number 10, and the college's faculty have recently developed more than 100 offerings in continuing and professional education, including high-demand programs leading to project management certification.

Roen’s commitment to expanding partnerships and community connections is evident in his establishing an active Dean’s Advisory Council to help advance the college, and his engagement in East Valley civic, education, and economic development organizations to strengthen ASU Polytechnic collaborations.

Already a seasoned university administrator, program builder and respected scholar in the field of rhetoric and composition when he joined the university in 1995, his first position was director of composition. At ASU he has also served as dean of University College; head of interdisciplinary studies, head of humanities and arts; co-director of the graduate program in rhetoric, composition, and linguistics; director of the Center for Learning and Teaching Excellence; and president of the University Senate. 

Provost Searle said there will be a search within ASU to find the next dean of the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts. The committee will be led by Jeffrey Cohen, dean of humanities in The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Searle expects to make the appointment of the dean before the winter break to facilitate a smooth transition over the spring semester.      

Roen will be returning to the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts faculty of interdisciplinary humanities and communication at the Polytechnic campus as professor of rhetoric and composition. Wrote Searle: “… we look forward to contributions he will make in this role where he is known as an outstanding teacher and scholar.”  

“I feel privileged to have worked with so many innovative, dedicated faculty and staff across the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts and at the Polytechnic campus,” Roen reflected. “CISA faculty not only excel in research and teaching but also have a laser focus on student success, as do our advising team and other staff. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than seeing students succeed and living up to our commitment to the ASU Charter.”