Stetson University Selects New Dean for College of Arts and Sciences

DELAND, Fla., June 5, 2019 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Stetson University Provost and Executive Vice President Noel Painter, Ph. D., announced today that Stetson University has selected Elizabeth Skomp, Ph.D., as the next dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, following a nation-wide search. Skomp is expected to join Stetson in her new capacity beginning mid-July.

Currently, Skomp is the associate dean for Faculty Development and Inclusion, and professor of Russian at The University of the South (Sewanee), where she has taught since 2005.

"We are enthusiastic to have a leader who shares a strong commitment to liberal arts education, with demonstrated value for inclusion and equity, join the university," said Painter. "Throughout the search process, the search committee has heard Skomp described as fair, unflappable, prepared, able to navigate a wide range of administrative challenges and someone who can foster work across the diverse disciplines in the college."

Her focus at Sewanee has been faculty development and grant seeking, curricular reform, integrated advising, dialogue across difference, study abroad, and numerous diversity and inclusion initiatives.

"Stetson's teacher-scholar model, focus on student success, and interest in continuing to build a diverse, inclusive, and equitable institutional environment exemplify what I value most in higher education," said Skomp. "I am delighted to join the Stetson community."

She has overseen Sewanee's Center for Teaching, Office of Advising, Office of Undergraduate Research, Writing Across the Curriculum, and the University Art Gallery. Skomp has previously served as chair of the Russian Department, director of the Sewanee Summer in Russia Program, and director of Sewanee's interdisciplinary Humanities Program, and has taught in the Sewanee School of Letters.

Skomp is the current president of the Southern Conference on Slavic Studies. Her 2015 book, Ludmila Ulitskaya and the Art of Tolerance, stands out among numerous research grants, published articles and reviews, and conference presentations. Skomp previously taught at Williams College, DePauw University, and the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. She holds a B.A. from Indiana University and a Ph.D. from the University of London, which she attended as a British Marshall Scholar.

About Stetson University
Founded in 1883, Stetson University is the oldest private university in Central Florida. Stetson focuses on intense learning experiences in a supportive community that allows students to develop their voice in a connected, inclusive environment. Stetson University ranks No. 5 on U.S. News & World Report's 2019 list of Best Regional Universities (South), and has been recognized as one of The Princeton Review's 384 Best Colleges, 2019 edition. Stay connected with Stetson on social media.

SOURCE Stetson University