“In response to feedback from various stakeholders in the College, I have decided to create a new associate dean position dedicated to faculty development and faculty affairs. Our College has experienced tremendous growth over the last decade without a corresponding expansion in support for faculty,” Interim Dean Tone said. “This change is intended to remedy that.”

Carol Colatrella, who currently serves as the associate dean for graduate studies and faculty development, will fill the new role of associate dean for faculty development. This administrative appointment, which is still pending Institute approval, will continue Colatrella’s current administrative appointment in the College and will continue to supplement her professor appointment in the School of Literature, Media, and Communication.

In this new position, Colatrella is responsible for advising the dean, the College’s executive leadership team, and school chairs on matters related to faculty affairs, such as review, promotion, and tenure processes and faculty mentoring. The associate dean for faculty development also supports the needs of the faculty community and provides resources and leadership that promote equity, diversity, and advancement of faculty.

David Shook, who currently serves as the associate chair and the director of undergraduate studies in the School of Modern Languages, will serve as the associate dean for academic affairs. In addition to this appointment, which is also awaiting Institute approval, Shook will continue in his current position as associate professor in the School of Modern Languages. 

The associate dean for academic affairs is responsible for advising the dean on matters related to the undergraduate and graduate academic programs and student initiatives in the College. This position will support the needs of students and faculty in collaboration with the dean and administrative staff throughout the College. 

According to Interim Dean Tone, the associate dean for academic affairs is a consolidation of two prior appointments, associate dean of undergraduate studies and associate dean of graduate studies. These positions were previously occupied by Interim Dean Tone and Colatrella, respectively. 

“This model has proven to be successful in other colleges across the Institute,” he said. “I am confident that this reorganization will provide efficient, effective, and improved support to our academic schools, ROTC units, and research centers.”

He also announced that Sam Nunn School of International Affairs Associate Professor Peter Brecke will continue to serve as assistant dean for information technology, and that Digital Media Professor Janet Murray will continue to serve in her role as associate dean for research.