Villanova University President, the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., Ph.D., today announced the appointment of Jean Ann Linney, Ph.D., as Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, effective August 15, 2011. An accomplished teacher-scholar with distinguished achievement in teaching, research and administration, Linney most recently served as Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). This key appointment at Villanova is the result of a national search led by a committee of trustees, faculty, administrators, students and alumni.
“Jean Ann Linney was the ideal choice for this important leadership role at Villanova University,” said Fr. Donohue. “Dean Linney brings to Villanova a wealth of experience from major national universities. Her experience, vision and breadth of knowledge make her the perfect fit to guide Villanova’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences to new levels of excellence.”
Linney possesses an impressive academic and administrative track record from such institutions as University of Notre Dame, the University of Alabama at Birmingham and University of South Carolina. In addition to her administrative experience, she is also an award-winning teacher and scholar whose research and expertise focus on the areas of community psychology, prevention science and the promotion of mental health. Linney brings a keen understanding of faculty teaching and research, as well as a demonstrated ability to recruit and nurture top scholars.
“The liberal arts are core to a Villanova education and Dean Linney is a passionate advocate and strong believer in the importance of a liberal arts education in today’s society,” added Fr. Donohue. “She also has a deep commitment to service, diversity, teaching and interdisciplinary collaboration – hallmarks of Villanova’s Augustinian mission and Strategic Plan.”
As Dean of Villanova’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the oldest and largest of the University’s five colleges, Linney will serve as chief administrator and chairperson of the College—which has approximately 4,500 students (undergraduate and graduate), 400 faculty, 130 staff members and an alumni body of 55,000. She will oversee an annual budget of more than $50 million and lead the College’s long-term strategic and academic planning, curricular initiatives, faculty research support, student services, fundraising, external relations and alumni services. In fall 2011, Villanova will introduce a new Liberal Arts and Sciences core curriculum designed to further strengthen its undergraduate programs.
"I am honored to become the next Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Villanova University,” said Linney. “The University has an impressive history, and I look forward to being a part of Villanova's future. I have been very impressed with the caliber of the arts and sciences faculty and students. I am excited to have the opportunity to work with them to implement the new core curriculum, cultivate significant interdisciplinary initiatives and build on the foundational Augustinian traditions.”
