Del Brinkman, dean of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Colorado at Boulder, announced his resignation to journalism faculty members this week.
In a letter to faculty dated Jan. 23, Brinkman cited health and family considerations as the reasons for his resignation.
The effective date of the resignation has not been determined and an interim dean has not been named. However, Provost Phil DiStefano will be meeting with Brinkman and journalism faculty members to determine the timing of Brinkman's departure and to identify an interim dean before a national search for a new dean is begun.
In his letter to faculty, Brinkman said, "It is with much regret, great sadness and a sense of frustration that I write to say that I have concluded that I must step down as dean of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication."
Brinkman had double bypass surgery on July 7, from which he has "made good progress," the letter stated. But, he continued, "I still have lingering and disconcerting health issues which keep me from being back at full strength with the energy to handle the dean's job in the way I know it should be handled."
DiStefano said he was disappointed to learn of Brinkman's decision and to lose his leadership at the journalism school.
"In the short time that Del was dean of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, he has made a significant impact on the quality of faculty, students and programs," DiStefano said.
"He has the respect of the Boulder campus deans and members of the media throughout the state of Colorado and the country. Personally, I will miss his wisdom, integrity and expertise in journalism and mass communication."
Brinkman assumed the position of dean on Jan. 1, 2001, coming to CU-Boulder from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation where he was director of journalism programs.
Prior to his Knight Foundation position, Brinkman was vice chancellor for academic affairs and dean of the William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Kansas.