Maryam Alavi, vice dean for faculty and research at Emory University's Goizueta Business School, has been appointed interim dean of the school, according to an announcement by Provost Claire Sterk.

Alavi, who joined the Emory faculty in 2000, served as senior associate dean for faculty and research at the school from 2002-2004, and interim dean during the first half of 2005. She has served the school as vice dean since 2005.

"Maryam Alavi's contributions to Goizueta's leadership team are among the many ways in which she demonstrates her commitment to the school as well as the university community," says Sterk. "As interim dean, Maryam will be a tremendous asset. She is a visionary leader who will ensure that the school will continue to succeed."

As a faculty member, Alavi serves as the John and Lucy Cook Professor of Information Strategy. Her publication record includes more than 70 papers on impacts of information technologies on knowledge management, learning and network processes.

Alavi is a two-term board member of the Georgia Technology Authority, appointed by the governor of the State of Georgia. In addition, she has served on the editorial boards of several journals in her area of academic expertise, consults with major business and government organizations, and has taught in graduate and executive education programs at universities in the United States, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and Asia.

She holds a Ph.D. degree in management information systems and a Master of Science degree in computer and information systems from Ohio State University, and an undergraduate degree in mathematics and computer science from State University of New York, Buffalo.

A dean search advisory committee with representatives from the Goizueta Business School community will be formed in early September.