College of Arts and Sciences Announces New Department Heads
Faculty members new and familiar take on leadership roles for College of Arts and Sciences departments.
Three new faculty members joined the College of Arts and Sciences on January 1 in department head roles, adding to new departmental leadership announced in August 2025. They add their rich expertise and experiences to the college’s environment of bold inquiry and meaningful engagement.
Mark Hubbe: Department of Anthropology
Professor Mark Hubbe is the new head for the Department of Anthropology. He comes to UT from Ohio State University, where he has served on faculty since 2012. He has also served as an adjunct professor at UT since 2019.
“We are excited to welcome distinguished scholar Mark Hubbe to lead the anthropology department,” said Gina Owens, Interim Divisional Dean for Social Sciences. “His well-regarded research in skeletal biology has made him a prominent biological anthropologist. He joins the college at a time when anthropology is strong and growing, thanks in no small part to the dedicated stewardship of outgoing Department Head Barbara Heath.”
Hubbe has long-standing relationships with UT Knoxville researchers that position him well to transition into both departmental leadership and the UT scholarly community.
“Ever since I started collaborating with colleagues at UT in 2019, I’ve been impressed by the department’s research excellence and strong academic values,” said Hubbe. “I’m truly excited to join the department and contribute to its continued growth and reputation as one of the nation’s strongest anthropology departments.”
Avery Kolers: Department of Philosophy
Professor Avery Kolers is the new head of the Department of Philosophy, coming to UT from the University of Louisville, where he has served on the faculty since 2000 and as philosophy chair since 2020.
“Philosophy will be in tremendous hands when Avery Kolers steps in as their next department head in January,” said Divisional Dean for Arts and Humanities Beauvais Lyons. “Bringing expertise in social and political philosophy and as co-editor in chief of the Journal of Applied Philosophy, he is especially well positioned to help us work to integrate scholarship in both ethics and epistemology in areas that include health access and the environment.”
Kolers has largely researched issues surrounding territorial rights and solidarity and recently has researched the philosophy of sports and games to better understand ethical behavior as an embodied skill, to articulate the kinds of sociability made possible by games, and the prospects for incorporating this sociability into everyday life, including polarized politics. In addition to editing the Journal of Applied Philosophy, he serves on the editorial board of Political Philosophy.
“UT philosophers have a long track record of producing some of the most innovative and important research in the field,” said Kolers. “I’m grateful to have the opportunity to join this group and work with the outstanding students, staff, and faculty.”
Kevin Shaughnessy: Department of Chemistry
Professor Kevin Shaughnessy joined the college on January 1 as head of the Department of Chemistry. He comes to UT from the University of Alabama, where he was the director of undergraduate studies in chemistry and served as department head there from 2009 to 2019.
“Shaughnessy’s previous experience as department head at the University of Alabama will be invaluable during this critical moment in the history of the Department of Chemistry as we prepare for the new chemistry building,” said Divisional Dean for Natural Sciences and Math Kate Jones. “He will also bring a strong research background and deep knowledge of curricular matters from his position as director of undergraduate studies.”
Shaughnessy’s research on the development of catalytic methodologies, and mechanistic studies of these systems, and his leadership background will help the department contribute to UT’s next-level initiative in enhancing unparalleled student experiences and pursuing high-impact research.
“I am honored to join UT as head of the Department of Chemistry,” said Kevin Shaughnessy. “With the construction of our new state-of-the-art chemistry building, we have a unique opportunity to elevate research, foster innovation, and enhance the student experience. I am excited to lead the department into this new chapter of growth and discovery.”
Familiar Faculty Faces in New Leadership Roles
These three campus newcomers join three longtime faculty members who took on department head roles in the last year. Professor Dawn Coleman is the head of the Department of English; Professor Ron Kalafsky leads the Department of Geography and Sustainability; and Professor Erin Hardin is the interim head of the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience.
These dynamic leaders are poised to continue the high quality of education and unparalleled experience for arts and sciences students and guide the research and scholarship of their disciplines, making life and lives better across Tennessee and around the world.
By Randall Brown