Three years ago, California State University, Northridge professors Tami Abourezk and Dan Hosken, by happenstance, began the same career journey as associate deans in the College of Health and Human Development and the Mike Curb College of Arts, Media, and Communication, respectively.

This fall, Abourezk and Hosken continued along the same path as interim deans of their colleges.

“It’s been great to have someone to share with and bounce ideas off of,” Abourezk said. Both said they share a similar approach and enthusiasm about CSUN’s diverse student body.

“It’s very rewarding to be a part of CSUN’s mission of teaching students in the region, particularly first-generation students,” Hosken said. “It’s very exciting to see that moment when students get something you’re teaching. … That awareness in their eyes.”

Abourezk has been teaching at CSUN for 25 years. She was appointed interim dean in August, after Sylvia Alva accepted the position of provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Cal Poly Pomona.

She started in the Department of Kinesiology in 1990 as an assistant professor. She has served as assistant chair of kinesiology; chair of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences; and coordinator of faculty development for the College of Health and Human Development. She has published extensively and written numerous grants.

Abourezk, a native of El Paso, Texas, has a doctorate in movement and science education from Florida State University; a master’s in exercise science from Florida State University; and a bachelor’s degree from Lander College in physical education. She first came to CSUN because of kinesiology’s use of both science and movement in teaching the discipline. She first came to CSUN because the philosophy of the department encompasses the art and science of human movement.

“I love the diversity at CSUN and that I’m surrounded by a team of staff and faculty who share a core value centered around student success,” she said.

Hosken has been teaching at CSUN for 16 years. He accepted the job as interim dean this summer, upon the retirement of Jay Kvapil.

Hosken, a native of Michigan, came to CSUN in 1999 as faculty in the Department of Music with an expertise in music technology. During his tenure at CSUN, he has served as assistant chair of the Department of Music, a member of the board of directors of the University Corporation, and served on the music and theater departments’ personnel committees. As a composer, his music has been performed in major world cities and has been featured at prominent festivals of electronic music.

He has a doctorate in musical arts in composition from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, a master’s in composition with academic honors from New England Conservatory of Music and a bachelor’s in humanities and science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

“The top priorities are student success and engaging with the community,” said Hosken about his new role as interim dean. “It’s an exciting job.”

Deans, Interim