Roberts Named Dean of Fulbright College

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Robin Roberts, appointed as dean of Fulbright College

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Robin A. Roberts, professor of English and former associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Louisiana State University, has been named dean of the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas. She will assume her duties effective July 15.

 “Dr. Roberts is a highly regarded scholar and academic leader,” said G. David Gearhart, university chancellor. “As the new Fulbright dean, she will guide one of the most prominent arts and sciences colleges in public higher education. We look forward to welcoming her.”

Roberts has a broad range of academic and administrative experience. Currently professor of English and women’s and gender studies at LSU, she has previously served as associate dean and director of interdisciplinary programs in the LSU College of Arts and Sciences, as well as being a provost fellow. The author of five books, Roberts has also published dozens of articles and presented more than 75 papers. She wrote a successful grant proposal for over $600,000 for undergraduate language education at LSU. She has served on university and college promotion and tenure committees at LSU, and reviewed manuscripts for Oxford University Press, the Ohio State University Press, University of Illinois Press and Syracuse University Press, among others.

She will be joined on campus by her husband, Les Wade, who will be a professor in the University of Arkansas drama department.

“I am honored and very pleased to assume the leadership of the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences,” said Roberts. “I look forward to working with faculty, students and staff to continue the college's legacy of excellence and achievement in research, teaching and service.”

Fulbright College is the largest college on campus, with 7,740 students, more than a third of the student enrollment at the university. The college has 19 academic departments that offer 25 undergraduate majors and 38 minors. Its 15 research centers bring in more than $20 million a year in outside funding. Fulbright College provides the core curriculum courses required by every college on campus and also offers specific courses required for studying law, medicine, dentistry, teaching, and pharmacy. The college is named for former university president and U.S. Sen. J. William Fulbright.

“I am pleased that Dr. Roberts will lead the college at this critical time,” said Provost Sharon Gaber. “Her experience and energy will help to continue moving the college forward.”

Roberts will replace William Schwab, who first served as interim dean starting in 2008, and was appointed to a two-year term as dean in 2009. Schwab will return to the faculty as University Professor of sociology and criminal justice in Fulbright College.

 “Bill has been a strong campus leader and stabilizing force for Fulbright College,” Gaber said. “We are extremely grateful to him for his service to his college and to the university.”