James Chadney served as interim dean of the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences from 1998 to 1999, guiding the college through a period of leadership transition. An anthropologist and longtime faculty member, Chadney joined the University of Northern Iowa in 1968 and dedicated more than three decades to teaching, scholarship and academic leadership. Before becoming interim dean, he served as associate dean from 1994 to 1998, bringing valuable administrative experience and a deep understanding of the college to the role. A respected scholar and author, Chadney helped strengthen the college through his commitment to students, faculty and academic excellence. Following his service as interim dean, Chadney left UNI to become dean of Liberal Arts at Western Oregon University, continuing his career in higher education leadership until his retirement in 2005.