Temporary leadership for the College of Health and Human Development will be taken over by Fred Vondracek, the college's associate dean.

Vondracek, appointed as interim dean last week, has worked for the college for 37 years and said he expects his experience to prove beneficial.

"I'm well acquainted with the college, with its faculty, and the needs of its students and staff," he said.

Vondracek is replacing Raymond Coward, who resigned in October to become vice provost and executive vice president at Utah State University. Vondracek will take over the position Jan. 1.

Coward said the selection of Vondracek was a "superb" choice and Vondracek has been a critical partner in many of the college's initiatives for the past five-and-a-half years.

Coward said Vondracek would continue using ideas that are working successfully, but is innovative enough to take the college in new directions.

John Dattilo, department head for recreation, park and tourism management in the college, said that he believed Vondracek will continue Coward's work to improve the college and that it is good to see someone from the department appointed to the position.

Although he accepted the position of interim dean, Vondracek said he explicitly asked not to be considered for the position of permanent dean. He said the position requires a multi-year commitment to learn what is required and he was not able to make that commitment.

Vondracek said he is unsure whether he will return to his position as associate dean because he is nearing retirement age. Whoever is named the permanent dean will decide whether he returns to the position.

A committee has not been formed yet to search for a new dean, Vondracek said. He said Vice President and Provost Rodney Erickson is planning to assemble one. Erickson was not available for comment yesterday.

Penn State spokesman Tysen Kendig said there is no timeline to form a committee and to name a candidate for a new dean. He said that it was a matter of finding the best person for the job and a "person who would be the best fit for Penn State."

Vondracek said during his time as interim dean he does not intend to make any drastic changes in the college, but assured the college will not be at a standstill.

"I have a strong and lasting commitment to keeping the college as one of the leading colleges of its kind in the nation," he said.