Noting that enrollment in the Bioinformatics and Computer Science programs have steadily declined over the past few years, Dr. Suzanne Murphy, dean of Misher College of Arts and Sciences, has announced that the department is being disbanded.
“After very careful consideration, (Provost) Dr. (Russell J.) DiGate and I have decided that as of July 1, 2010, the department of Bioinformatics and Computer Science will be disbanded. This decision was not arrived at quickly or without considerable and difficult deliberation ," Murphy said. "Thus, after this year we will not accept freshmen into the Bioinformatics program and the Computer Science program will be on hiatus for the 2010-2011 academic year, at which time it will be re-evaluated. The students currently enrolled will continue in the program through graduation. The MS in Bioinformatics will continue under the direction of Dr. Randy Zauhar.”
The change in program status has also necessitated other staff moves, according to Dr. Murphy: “Since the department will be closing, this necessitates some shifting of faculty appointments. Dr. Randy Zauhar’s appointment will remain in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Dr. Zhijun Li will move to the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Oversight of current Bioinformatics undergraduate and graduate students will be in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Dr. Bo Sun will move to the Department of Math, Physics and Statistics, and oversight of students in Computer Science will reside with that department.
“Although we are sorry to see the department close, we recognize the many contributions of the department’s faculty and students and offer them our continued support.”