D. Kern Holoman, founding dean of the Division of Humanities, Arts and Cultural Studies at the University of California, Davis, will step down from that post June 30 to return full time to his scholarly and performance career and to devote more time and energy to the creation of a center for the arts on the Davis campus. "Obviously this family decision is made with mixed feelings," said Holoman. "But now that I am certain of the division's capacity to thrive and prosper, I am equally sure of my need to move on to other things." Chancellor Larry N. Vanderhoef said he has accepted Holoman's resignation "with reluctance, as he has made exceptional contributions to the campus as dean." Added Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Robert D. Grey: "Kern has done a fine job leading the division during its most difficult and trying formative stages, and has approached this leadership position with acumen and dedication, enthusiasm, optimism and boundless energy. The chancellor and I wish him well as he returns to his faculty role and look forward to working with him in the future." Holoman was appointed to a 15-month term as acting dean of the Division of Humanities, Arts and Cultural Studies in March 1995, helping to guide the College of Letters and Science through a major reorganization into three divisions. In January 1996, the "acting" was removed from his title and his appointment was extended to June 30, 1998. Noting that he's stepping down on the date his term was originally to expire, Holoman said it is "increasingly apparent that my research and creative agendas positively require the two to three summer months of reflection, inquiry and writing that are a faculty member's custom." He also expressed a desire "to spend many more hours in the classroom and concert hall than are presently available to me" and "to be on call to participate to the maximum extent possible in the planning and development of the new arts center." Fleeting time with children soon off to college also influenced his decision, he said. Holoman, professor of music at UC Davis since 1974 and conductor of the UCD Symphony Orchestra, received the $25,000 1995 UC Davis Prize for Teaching and Scholarly Achievement. His research as a musicologist focuses on the work of Hector Berlioz, a 19th-century French Romantic composer. He is the author of the book "Berlioz" and "Evenings with the Orchestra: A Norton Companion to Concert-Going." Highlights of his research career include being named as both a Woodrow Wilson and Fulbright-Hays fellow and receiving the Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters from the Republic of France. Before being named dean, Holoman had served as chair of both the music and the dramatic art and dance departments and established the UCD Symphony Endowment. Grey said an internal campus candidate will be selected for the remaining two years of Holoman's appointment with the advice of College of Letters and Science faculty and staff. A successor will be recommended to UC President Richard C. Atkinson by the end of spring quarter.