By Theresa Schliep and Aislinn Keely

Frederick J. Wertz, Ph.D., professor of psychology, will serve as acting dean of Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) this semester. Rev. Robert R. Grimes, S.J., will take a leave of absence due to a “personal matter,” according to Bob Howe, director of communications for the university. Rev. Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of the university and Stephen Freedman, provost of the university, announced the decision in a university-wide email on Jan. 29.

In an email comment to The Fordham Ram, Grimes said he has not had a fellowship in his 20-year tenure, although most tenured faculty are eligible for a fellowship about every five years. He also said now is a good time for him to address recent foot problems that have made walking difficult.

McShane and Freedman made the decision to appoint Wertz, according to Howe. They discussed the transition with others.
Grimes is the college’s longest serving dean. He took up the post in 1997.

Wertz will assume all responsibilities of the office, according to Howe.

McShane and Freedman said Dr. Wertz is qualified for the position, commenting on his awards and administrative experience.
“In addition to his teaching and research, Dr. Wertz has held numerous administrative positions,” said McShane and Freedman.
Wertz said he agreed to take up the position until June, and that his role will be reexamined then. Wertz said he received the call to be acting dean of Fordham College Lincoln Center on Thursday, the day before the university-wide announcement.

Although Wertz said he planned on working on research and a publication this semester, he’s looking forward to his work as dean of Fordham College Lincoln Center.

“This will turn my life around completely, but I have not had any regrets about accepting the position, because this is my chance to give back to Fordham,” said Wertz.

Wertz has served as interim chair of the Department of Computer and Information Sciences, from 2014-2015; interim chair of the Department of Communication and Media Studies, 2011-2013; chair of the Department of Psychology, from 2002-2008; and Associate Dean, Fordham College at Lincoln Center, according to McShane and Freedman.

Wertz received tenure at Fordham in 1988, three years after his arrival at the university and six years after earning his doctorate at Duquesne University.

“Dr. Wertz brings long experience and a steady hand to the dean’s office,” said McShane and Freedman in the email.
Wertz said this is a new yet exciting role for him to take on.

“This is a position like none I ever had,” said Wertz. “I feel like I have to rise to the occasion and give it everything I have.”