Founding Optical Sciences Dean Jim Wyant Steps Down

Jim Wyant, director and founding dean of the College of Optical Sciences, was feted Tuesday during a reception marking his decision to step down and return to teaching.

"I've had a lot of fun," he told the assembled crowd of colleagues and notables. "There's no doubt but that this is the best job in optics in the world."

The College of Optical Sciences, regarded as one of the world's premier optical institutes, was founded in 1964 as the Optical Sciences Center. Wyant became the center's director in 1999 and was named dean when it became a college in 2005.

Famously devoted to Wildcats basketball, Wyant was presented with basketball memorabilia by coach Sean Miller, former coach Lute Olson and UA Athletics Director Greg Byrne.
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