Rhonda Phillips (PhD '96) was recently named the dean of Purdue University's new Honors College. Before her appointment at Purdue, Phillips served as the associate dean of Arizona State University's Honor College, a professor in School of Community Resources and Development, senior sustainability scientist in Arizona State's Global Institute of Sustainability/School of Sustainability, and affiliate faculty in the School of Geographical Sciences, Urban Planning and the School of Public Affairs.

"She has the passion and vision that makes her well-suited to carry out our goal of providing a challenging and rewarding experience for Purdue's top students," said Timothy Sands, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. Phillips' appointment as dean concludes the university's national search, and she will begin her tenure following ratification by Purdue's Board of Trustees. "The pool of finalists was an exceptional group of candidates, and we appreciate everyone who was involved in the process," said Mark J.T. Smith, dean of the Graduate School and search advisory committee chair. "Dean Phillips will be a great leader and advocate for Purdue's Honor College."

For more information on Phillips' appointment, visit:

http://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2013/Q2/arizona-state-associate-dean-to-lead-new-honors-college.html

For more information on alumni of the Georgia Tech City Planning PhD program, vist: 

http://www.planning.gatech.edu/people/alumni/phd