AIR Member Named Editor of Research in Higher Education (RIHE)
AIR Office (air@airweb.org)

After a nearly year-long effort, the Research in Higher Education (RIHE) editor search committee has selected a successor to John C. Smart, who will retire after 20 years of service. Robert K. Toutkoushian, who has built an extensive and impressive record over the past 20 years as a scholar, administrator, editor, and contributor to his profession, will assume the position in approximately 18 months. To date, there have been only two editors for the Springer publication.

According to Patrick Terenzini, Distinguished Professor of Higher Education at Penn State and chair of the editor search committee, "The search was both hugely daunting and rewarding." RIHE is such a prominent leader in higher education research, the selection of the next editor will have serious implications for institutional and higher education research "for at least the next decade". Finding a "replacement" for John Smart, Terenzini said, was "going to be 'Mission Impossible'". Terenzini noted that Smart has been "more than just an editor. He's also been a teacher and mentor for young researchers and a guiding light for experienced researchers and practitioners." Terenzini said the committee is "unanimous in our conviction that we couldn't have done any better in recommending Rob Toutkoushian". Toutkoushian currently serves as Professor at the University of Georgia, Institute of Higher Education.

During his term as RIHE editor, Toutkoushian will also receive support from Libby Morris, Director of the Institute of Higher Education. "The Institute of Higher Education is pleased to become the new home of Research in Higher Education. I know that Rob will uphold the fine reputation of the journal and add to the outstanding legacy created by long-time editor John Smart. The Institute once again hoists high the banner for institutional research!"

As Smart begins his last year and a half as RIHE editor, he took a moment to comment on his replacement. "I'm delighted Rob was selected and I am confident he will do a great job. He is top notch in all respects and I will leave the editorship feeling better, given his selection to follow me."

For more information on RIHE, visit www.airweb.org/?page=89.