The J-TAC

Issue date: 4/3/08 Section: News

The president of a small, private liberal arts college in rural Ohio has been named the sole finalist to replace Tarleton State University President Dennis McCabe.

The selection of Dr. F. Dominic Dottavio, currently the president of Heildelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio, from a field of four candidates was announced Monday in an e-mail from Dr. Denise Martinez, the Tarleton professor who chaired the Presidential Search Committee.

Bill Jones, chairman of the Texas A&M System Board of Regents, said the board is "very fortunate and excited to have someone of Dr. Dottavio's experience and energy as our finalist at Tarleton State University."

"He has a remarkable track record as an inspiring leader who brings together diverse groups to accomplish common goals," Jones said.

Dottavio, who will be on campus Monday and Tuesday to meet students, faculty and staff, declined a request for an extended interview, saying he would prefer to discuss his plans for Tarleton after McCabe has stepped down.

"I appreciate your interest in my opinions on important issues regarding Tarleton's past and future," Dottavio said in an e-mail response to an interview request. "However, in fairness to Dr. McCabe and his long and distinguished career at Tarleton, I think it is important that his thoughts and ideas continue to be the focus of attention for the foreseeable future."

"I expect to do a lot of listening next week so I that have a better understanding of the hopes, aspirations and dreams of the Tarleton community," said Dottavio.

Dottavio has worked as a university administrator, scientist, and professor for the last 26 years. He received his bachelor's degree from the Ohio State University School of Natural Resources in 1973, his master's degree from Yale University in the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies in 1975, and his doctorate from Purdue University in the College of Agriculture in 1979.

Heidelberg College is a small school with about 1,100 traditional undergraduate students and about 400 graduate students. Tiffin is a town of 18,000 between Columbus and Toledo, Ohio.

According to his resume posted on the Tarleton Web site, Dottavio has worked as President and a professor of biology at Heidelberg since 2003. Prior to that, he had served as the Dean and Director of Ohio State University at Marion as well as a professor from 1993-2003. He also worked as Chief Scientist for the National Park Service in Atlanta, Ga. from 1986-1983.

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