Theodoulou, who has served as interim dean of the college since 2001, assumed the post permanently on April 15.

"Dr. Theodoulou brings a wealth of administrative experience, teaching and scholarly activities that encompass public opinion, social policy, and policy analysis and evaluation," said Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Linda Bain in announcing the appointment.

"I'm looking forward to continuing the work that I started in my term as interim dean," Theodoulou said. "I would like to thank the faculty and staff of the college, who are extremely hardworking and dedicated to delivering the finest programs possible for our students."

An international expert on AIDS policies, Theodoulou has served as a consultant to domestic and international public sector agencies. "The Art of the Game: Understanding American Public Policy Making," co-authored with political analyst Chris Kofinis and published by Wadsworth Publishing, is her latest book.

Prior to her appointment as Social and Behavioral Sciences' interim dean, Theodoulou served for four years as chair of Northridge's Political Science Department, where she taught from 1990-2001. During that period, she served on the Faculty Senate as well as on numerous college- and university-wide committees.

Before coming to Cal State Northridge, Theodoulou taught at Claremont Graduate School, Jacksonville University and Tulane University.

The dean earned her bachelor's degree in politics and government from the City of London Polytechnic, her master's degree in American government and politics from the University of Essex, and her doctorate in political science from Tulane University.