The promotion of Len Zane to dean of UNLV's Honors College was one of several administrative appointments announced Wednesday by university President Carol C. Harter.

Zane, who came to UNLV in 1973 as a physics professor, has served as director of the Honors College, originally known as the honors program, since its creation in 1985.

UNLV's Honors College serves some of the state's best undergraduate students, providing them with unusually rigorous and challenging courses and other academic opportunities.

Harter also announced the appointment of new associate deans for three of UNLV's colleges. They are:

-- Bob Tracy, associate professor of art, as associate dean of the College of Fine Arts. Tracy has been at UNLV since 1984.

-- Tom Sexton, associate professor of counseling, as associate dean of the Greenspun College of Urban Affairs. He has taught at UNLV since 1988.

-- Peter Starkweather, professor of biology, as associate dean of the College of Sciences. Starkweather has taught at UNLV since 1978.

All four appointments will be effective Jan. 1."I am confident that each of these four colleagues has the ability to help UNLV reach the goals set forth in our academic master plan," Harter said. "I look forward to having their assistance as UNLV prepares to meet the needs of the next century."

Provost Douglas Ferraro said of the appointments, "All four of these faculty members are well respected colleagues. They already have contributed a great deal to UNLV, and I appreciate their willingness to now serve our university in their new roles."