The Provost Office sent an email out to the Seton Hall community on Friday June 14, announcing that the Whitehead School of Diplomacy will be undergoing a name change due to the request of John C. Whitehead to have his name removed.
"The University will be removing John C. Whitehead's name from the School of Diplomacy and International Relations at his request beginning July 1, 2013," the email said. "The University thanks Mr. Whitehead for his generous support of the School during the past 15 years and honors his remarkable service to our nation."
The University declined to comment on why Whitehead requested to have his name removed.
The Associate Dean of the Diplomacy School Dr. Ursula Sanjamino said, "The decision was Mr. Whitehead's and the University cannot speak on his behalf."
The Interim Dean of the Whitehead School Ambassador Thomas P. Melady sent an email, as well, to diplomacy students upon the recent request.
He also thanked Whitehead for his support of the school and his service to the nation.
"He will remain an important figure in the School's history and an excellent example of servant leadership for you, our students, to emulate," Melady said.
He assured students that the change will have no impact on the school itself.
"The School's focus will remain on providing students with outstanding educational opportunities led by world-class faculty, preparing them to become the next generation of global leaders," Malady said. "I can assure you, the University remains committed to the School of Diplomacy and International Relations as one of its Centers for Excellence."
He also informed students that the University is continuing the search for a permanent dean and will be looking forward to the School's 15th anniversary celebration this year.
"Ambassador Thomas Patrick Melady continues to serve as interim dean as the process of selecting a new leader for the School moves closer to completion," the Provost's email said. "The University remains committed to the School of Diplomacy and International Relations."
Sanjamino said the announcement of a new dean will hopefully be soon.
Lindsay Rittenhouse can be reached at lindsay.rittenhouse@student.shu.edu.
