DURANT, Okla. -- Dr. C.W. Mangrum will retire July 31, 2008, as Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Southeastern Oklahoma State University after a career that has spanned 45 years as student, debate coach, faculty member and administrator.           

Mangrum began his Southeastern Oklahoma State University duties as the debate coach and adjunct instructor in 1970. He joined the faculty in1972.

He is a graduate of Healdton High School and earned his bachelor’s degree at Southeastern in 1966. He received his master’s degree at the University of Central Oklahoma and his doctorate from the University of North Texas.

His wife, Dr. Faye Mangrum, teaches in Southeastern’s Department of Communication and Theatre.

“I plan to play a little golf and we’re planning a trip to New Mexico,” Mangrum said. “We’ve just put in a new yard and that will take up most of my time. It will keep me busy while Faye teaches another two or three years.”

The Regional University System of Oklahoma has bestowed upon Dr. Mangrum the honorary title of “Dean Emeritus, School of Arts and Sciences,’’ and “Professor of Communication and Theatre Emeritus.’’

Dr. Lucretia Scoufos has been named Interim Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Southeastern. Dr. Scoufos joined the Department of Communication and Theatre in fall 2001, teaching Organizational and Strategic Communication. She has also served as department chair since 2003.