In September 2022, the UT Chancellor announced a plan for establishing a divisional structure within the College of Arts and Sciences. Under the model, beginning in July 2023 the college will be organized around three broad divisions: Arts and Humanities, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences and Mathematics.
Each division will be led by a divisional dean who will report to the executive dean. The divisional structure is a pilot and its effectiveness will be assessed after two years. Read more about the task forces charged with collecting stakeholder input and proposed organizational charts from various constituencies in the college.
The Provost appointed RJ Hinde as interim executive dean in October 2022. He will assume interim leadership of the college under its new divisional structure July 1, 2023.
Dean Hinde will work with the provost, college leadership, faculty, and staff to create a divisional structure designed to meet the various needs of the college. One of his first responsibilities was to appoint search committees to recommend candidates for the inaugural divisional dean positions.
Divisional Dean Appointments
Patrick Grzanka, professor of psychology, will serve as the inaugural divisional dean for social sciences. “I am incredibly honored and humbled by the opportunity to take on this new role in a time of tremendous change in our college, which has done so much to nurture my career. The six departments that constitute the Division of Social Sciences represent the vanguard of theory and methods that seek to understand our local, national, and global societies with sensitivity to power, culture, and the historical conditions that structure our lives,” Grzanka said.
Kate Jones, professor and associate head in the UT Department of Physics and Astronomy, will serve as the inaugural divisional dean for natural sciences and mathematics. “I am thrilled to be joining the college leadership. Transformations can be challenging, and the college is currently undergoing a significant one. My focus will be on ensuring this process is as smooth as possible and listening to the needs of the departments in the natural sciences and mathematics,” Jones said.
Beauvais Lyons, Chancellor’s Professor in the School of Art, will serve as the inaugural divisional dean for arts and humanities. “Universities are people-centered enterprises, creating opportunities for faculty to advance their scholarship and creative work while connecting these activities to our teaching and service commitments. As a divisional dean, I look forward to collaborating with the new leadership team in our college, supporting the arts and humanities, while also advancing shared goals,” Lyons said.