Joseph E. Steinmetz, executive dean and vice provost, and Gifford Weary, divisional dean, social and behavioral sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, announced today the appointment of Morton O’Kelly, professor of geography, as director of the Center for Urban and Regional Analysis (CURA). Professor O’Kelly’s term will run from September 1, 2012 to August 31, 2016.

CURA is an interdisciplinary group of scholars in social and behavioral sciences, physical/environmental sciences, engineering, health/medical sciences, and the humanities who are concerned with the critical issues and public policies in urban and regional development and their impacts on the economy, society, environment, and public health.

O’Kelly served as the original project leader for the Urban and Regional Analysis Initiative which was charged with establishing CURA in 2001. O’Kelly has continued to be very involved with CURA, serving as a member of the oversight committee and as chair of the Department of Geography. His extensive knowledge and understanding of the center and its mission will be instrumental in the continued success of one of Ohio State’s most important centers.