Richard Lowry to serve as next Arts & Sciences Vice-Dean for Arts, Humanities & Interdisciplinary Studies
Suzanne Raitt, Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences, announced Wednesday that Richard “Rich” Lowry will serve as the next Vice-Dean of Arts, Humanities & Interdisciplinary Studies, one of four discipline-specific Vice-Dean positions in the Arts & Sciences Dean’s office.
“We are delighted to welcome Rich to the Dean’s office team,” Raitt shared. “I am confident that his wealth of experience and leadership capabilities will contribute greatly to the growth and success of Arts & Sciences at this pivotal time.”
Lowry, a professor of English, has been an integral part of the William & Mary community for over 30 years. He most recently served as the acting chair of the department of Theatre, Speech & Dance, and director of Film & Media Studies. He holds an A.B. in English and American Literature and Language from Harvard College, a M.A. in United States Studies from the Institute of United States Studies, King’s College, University of London, England, and Ph.D. in American Studies from Yale University. His research encompasses nineteenth- and twentieth-century American literature and cultural studies, visual culture (with a specialization in photography), and American studies.
“I’m very much looking forward to joining the Dean Team and working with my colleagues in the Arts, Humanities & Interdisciplinary Studies—and Chemistry,” said Lowry. “The future holds new possibilities for Arts & Sciences.”
Raitt also expressed gratitude to the search committee, especially its chair, John Donahue, and to the extremely strong internal candidate pool. “This was a very difficult decision,” she said. “We are lucky to have so many dedicated and visionary colleagues in our midst.”
Janice Zeman, who has served as Vice-Dean of Arts, Humanities & Interdisciplinary Studies in an interim capacity in 2023, will return to the faculty in January 2024. “Janice has been a fantastic Vice-Dean, bringing wisdom, thoughtfulness and humor to our team. I am grateful to her for stepping into the role at short notice when I was appointed as Acting Dean in January 2023.”
Lowry will assume the position beginning January 2, 2024.
