Ian Lising Appointed College of Arts and Sciences Associate Dean
The University of La Verne appointed Speech Communication Department Chair Ian Lising as its new Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, a move that became effective Jan. 4.
Lising, a La Verne professor since 1999 and a renowned expert and author in the art of debate, will fill the vacant position previously held by Professor of Anthropology Dr. Felicia Beardsley.
“I believe the appointment of Professor Ian Lising is the right decision for the college at this time,” said College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Lawrence Potter. “I look forward to working with him in this new capacity. He will bring a unique expertise, commitment and leadership that is needed.”
The University launched an internal search for a new associate dean Sept. 30. Lising was selected following a screening and vetting process by Dr. Potter and the Associate Dean’s Screening Panel – comprised of Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Jerry Kernes, Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Kat Weaver, Professor of Photography Gary Colby and University Chaplain Dr. Zandra Wagoner.
Lising called the appointment a great honor.
“I am overwhelmed by the massive amount of trust that Dean Potter, Provost Jonathan Reed, President Devorah Lieberman, and the university community have invested in me,” Lising said. “I will endeavor diligently to someday be worthy of their faith. I have complete conviction in Dean Potter’s vision for the College of Arts and Sciences, and I hope to help him realize it completely.
A year after Lising started at La Verne as debate coach, he was promoted to Director of Forensics and Assistant Professor of Speech Communication. The University appointed him Department Chair in 2009 after he became tenured.
A seasoned coach in national and international debate competitions, Lising’s teams have become world octofinalists, quarterfinalists, semifinalists and grand finalists. He served as championship director of the World
Universities Debating Championships in 1999 and is a six-time Grand Finals Adjudicator at the WUDC. He was World Debate Council Chair from 2002 to 2008 and was named World Council Member Emeritus. Under his leadership, the University of La Verne was advanced to the World Grand Final in 2000, placing second in the world, the World Semifinals in 2001, and the World Octofinals in 2003. The team won the 2007 National Championships. Ian has received international debating recognition and awards in Greece, Australia, Scotland, Canada, Thailand, Ireland, and Turkey.
He published Across the House: The Art and Science of World Universities Championship Debating in February 2010. The textbook offers a formal introduction to debate style from the World Universities Debate Championships. Lising has served on the International Studies Institute and CAS Curriculum committees.
“As the Provost and I believe that the importance of collaborations will only grow, (Lising) will bring strengths in this crucial area, building on the good work of his predecessors in the College of Arts and Sciences,” Potter said. “He is a dedicated leader in CAS and to this University.”
