Walzer Named Acting Dean Of WIU
Business College

Dr. Norman Walzer, an economics professor and director of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA), has been named acting dean of the Western Illinois University College of Business, effective July 1.

Provost Burton O. Witthuhn made the announcements, stating he looked forward to working with Walzer in this important leadership role.

Walzer will fill the position vacated by Ray Smith who has taken a position at Maryville College in St. Louis, MO. Walzer will continue an association with the Institute for Rural Affairs at WIU, a statewide clearing-house for research and information on Illinois rural issues, programs and policies.

This spring Walzer was named the 1993 WIU Faculty Lecturer, to honor an outstanding faculty member whose professional development in research or creative activity, teaching and service to the University represent the highest standards of the academic community.

Walzer earned a Ph.D. in economics from the University of Illinois in 1970. He chaired Western's economics department for nine years, served as research director of the Municipal Problems Commission of the Illinois General Assembly and is past president of the Mid-Continent Regional Science Association and the Illinois Economic Association.

He currently serves on the Governor's Rural Affairs Council, Illinois Economic Development Network and the advisory committee for the Rural Partners — Kellogg projects.

While at Western, Walzer has published numerous books, articles and research reports and given many state, national and international presentations on research projects. In 1989, he received WlU's Faculty Research Award for his grant-sponsored research activities. •

Page 26 / Illinois Municipal Review / June 1993