December 22, 2016
SVSU promotes Peretz to dean of Arts and Behavioral Sciences
Saginaw Valley State University has announced that Marc Peretz has been chosen to serve as dean of the College of Arts and Behavioral Sciences. He had been serving as interim dean since July 2015.
Peretz joined the SVSU music faculty in 1989 and served nearly 20 years as department chair. In addition to serving as interim dean, he has held the position of associate provost for international and advanced studies since 2014. During this time, SVSU’s English Language Program earned national accreditation and international enrollment increased.
From 2010 to 2014, Peretz served as SVSU’s accreditation liaison officer, in advance of an eventual successful re-accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission.
“Marc brought a great deal of administrative experience to his appointment as interim dean and has been effective in that role for nearly 18 months,” said Deb Huntley, SVSU provost and vice president for academic affairs. “After conducting an extensive national search, we concluded we had the right person serving in that role. Marc enjoys the support of his colleagues within the college and that will be important as we work to enhance student success through innovative teaching in the arts, humanities and social sciences.”
Students in SVSU’s College of Arts and Behavioral Sciences have enjoyed a banner fall in academic competition.
The SVSU moot court program is sending four teams to the American Moot Court Association national tournament in Gulfport, Florida January 6-7. Only two colleges or universities – out of more than 350 nationally – qualified more students to attend the contest. In all, 80 teams with 160 students will compete.
A total of nine SVSU students have qualified for the national forensics tournament that will be held April 13-17 at the University of Wisconsin Eau-Claire.
Student Erik Breidinger earned top honors for presenting his community-minded research on the Kawkawlin River. A communication and geography double major from Auburn, he won first place in the undergraduate paper presentation category at the American Association of Geographers East Lakes/West Lakes conference in October.
Prior to SVSU, Peretz taught at Ball State University and the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga. He completed a Doctor of Musical Arts degree at Temple University.
A resident of Midland, Peretz has administrative experience outside of his college, as well. While serving in the provost’s office, he filled temporary appointments as associate dean for the colleges of Education, and Health and Human Services. He officially begins his new duties January 1.