MACON, Ga. — Mercer University Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Dr. John Thomas (Tom) Scott today announced that Dr. David Goode, associate chair of the chemistry department, has been appointed associate dean for faculty matters for the University’s oldest academic unit, effective July 1.
“I am very pleased that David has agreed to take on this role,” said Dr. Scott. “As dean, I have worked with him on the executive committee and interacted with him on matters pertaining to the chemistry department. I have been impressed with his attention to detail and his ability to interact well with faculty colleagues and others. I have great confidence that he will be able to perform the job with grace and efficiency.”
Dr. Goode is replacing Professor of Mathematics Dr. Jeff Denny, who announced in May that he would be stepping away from his role in the dean’s office. Dr. Denny has served in the role since 2009.
“Replacing Jeff Denny is an impossible task,” said Dr. Scott. “Jeff brought great humor, collegiality and a care for the needs of the College to the office. Everyone who worked with him in his role as associate dean found him to be generous, pleasant and caring, and he will be sorely missed in this office.”
A member of the Mercer University faculty since 2008, Dr. Goode is the previous director of biochemistry and molecular biology (BMB). Under his leadership in 2023, the BMB degree program received full accreditation from the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB). ASBMB accreditation is a national, independent, outcomes-based evaluation mechanism that recognizes excellence in Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree programs in biochemistry and molecular biology and related disciplines.
Dr. Goode earned his undergraduate degree from Mercer University in 2002 and his Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2007. He said he is honored and excited for the opportunity to serve the faculty of CLAS as the associate dean for faculty matters.
“I am committed to supporting our remarkable faculty in their teaching, scholarship and service — endeavors that define the excellence of our college,” he said. “They are what make the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences what it is, and I hope to foster their creativity and growth within our existing frameworks to empower them to flourish.”
