John Beard, associate dean of Coastal Carolina University’s Thomas W. and Robin W. Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts, has been named interim dean of the college for the second time in five years. Bill Richardson, the previous dean, has accepted a position as Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Antioch University Santa Barbara.

Daniel J. Ennis, English professor and former chair of the Department of English, has been appointed as associate dean during the interim period.

“John Beard has served in this capacity previously in 2005 and performed admirably," said CCU Provost Robert Sheehan in making the announcement. "He has the background and experience to lead the Edwards College of Humanities and Fine Arts in the coming months while we search for a new dean."

Beard joined the Coastal faculty in 1988. His responsibilities as associate dean include student academic matters, scheduling, curriculum and budget coordination. Before becoming associate dean, he served as director of freshman composition for six years. Beard earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Middle Tennessee State University and a Ph.D. from Florida State University.

Ennis joined the CCU faculty in 1999. He earned a bachelor's degree in English from the College of Charleston, a master's degree in English from Appalachian State University and a Ph.D. in English from Auburn University.