Joseph J. Comprone, dean of arts and sciences at Arizona State University West, has been appointed associate vice chancellor of the University and director of the Avery Point campus, effective July 1.

"Joseph brings with him a wealth of experience that directly relates to the issues facing the campus and an enthusiasm to move UConn/Avery Point forward," said Fred Maryanski, vice chancellor for academic administration, announcing the appointment.

"Joseph's appointment signals the official beginning of the new era for the Avery Point campus," said Maryanski. "With his leadership, we will develop a range of quality programs that match the outstanding facility we have in place."

Comprone attended high school in Waterford, Conn. He earned a bachelor's degree from Springfield College in Massachusetts and master's and Ph.D. degrees in English from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

His academic specialty is rhetorical theory and composition and expository writing and he will hold a faculty appointment in UConn's English department. He has previously held faculty positions at the University of Minnesota, Morris, the University of Cincinnati, the University of Louisville, Michigan Technological University and Arizona State University West. He also spent a year in 1988-89 as a visiting professor at the National University of Singapore.

He has published a book titled Teaching Writing, and numerous journal articles and book chapters.

The University of Connecticut's Avery Point campus is located in Groton, on the shores of Long Island Sound. The campus has 700 undergraduate students, who can select from the full range of the University's academic programs.

The campus is beginning to enhance its offerings of upper division courses, in addition to selected complete four-year degree programs, such as an interdiscipl inary coastal studies program. The Avery Point campus also houses the University's outstanding marine sciences program.

Work is now underway on a two-year $31.4 million construction project, including a new marine sciences academic and research center. UConn 2000 renovations at the campus include a new library; and a $4.1 million campus infrastructure renewal project with new telecommunications was recently completed.

Comprone takes over from David Madacsi, who has served as interim director since January 1997.

Elizabeth Omara-Otunnu