The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania has appointed Victoria L. Rich chief nursing officer. Rich comes from University Community Hospital in Tampa, Fla., where she oversaw the pharmacy, laboratory, neurodiagnostics, emergency services and nursing unit. As a noted expert on patient safety, Rich will help HUP develop procedures to further clinical accuracy, professional responsiveness and compassion in all aspects of hospital service.

Susan Fuhrman has been reappointed dean of the Graduate School of Education. During her six years in the office, the school has expanded its international efforts, established a five-year cycle of self-study and curriculum review, launched an executive education program and climbed to the eighth position, from 20, in the 2001 U.S. News & World Report annual rankings.

Associate Professor of Legal Studies Phil Nichols is the new faculty director of College Houses. He steps in to fill the post left behind by the visionary David B. Brownlee. As the Faculty Master of Stouffer College House, Nichols is reputed for his open door policy with residents and his personal columns in the “Stouffersphere,” the House newsletter.

Titus D. Hewryk, previously University architect, is now associate vice president for planning.

Charles Newman, previously director of Facilities Services, steps in as interim University architect.

Joan Rose is now assistant dean for Public Relations and Communications at the Law School. Rose, who formerly served as vice president and account supervisor for Earle Palmer Brown, will work closely with News Officer Jeanne Leong in University Communications.