Office of the Dean
About Suzanne Raitt
Suzanne Raitt was appointed dean of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences in April 2023 following a national search. She served as acting dean from January – April 2023. An experienced leader, administrator and scholar with over 20 years of dedicated service to the university, Raitt’s leadership is characterized by her commitment to fostering an inclusive and forward-thinking academic environment.
As dean, Raitt oversees the largest academic unit at William & Mary, which includes approximately 650 faculty members, 11 graduate programs, and numerous undergraduate majors and minors. Arts & Sciences also encompasses research centers and administrative offices that support the university’s teaching and research missions.
Raitt’s experience includes serving as vice dean of Arts, Humanities & Interdisciplinary Studies, chair of the Council of Chairs and Program Directors, faculty representative to the W&M Board of Visitors, and president of the William & Mary Faculty Assembly. She has been a professor in the English department since 2000 and a Chancellor Professor of English since 2015. Her administrative roles have also included Chair of the English Department and Director of the Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies program.
Raitt obtained her Ph.D. in English from the University of Cambridge and her M.A. from Yale University.
Looking ahead, Raitt will guide Arts & Sciences through key initiatives aimed at increasing visibility and fostering collaboration, working closely with university leadership, faculty, staff and administrators. Emphasizing collaboration as a core leadership trait, she is committed to advancing Wiliam & Mary's mission in partnership with the Arts & Sciences community.
More about Suzanne Raitt
Publications | CV | Website