Fulbright College Prepares for Fall With Four New Department Chairs

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The J. William College of Arts and Science at the University of Arkansas announces four new department chairs. Steven Bell, world languages, literatures and cultures; Dan Davis, chemistry and biochemistry; Michael Riha, drama; and Kathryn Sloan, history, officially assumed their posts Monday, July 1.

Steven Bell

Bell, associate professor of Spanish and director of the Latin American and Latino Studies program, has been with the university since ­­­1992. He inherits the post from Joan Turner, associate professor of Spanish. Turner retired on June 30 after ­­19 years at the university and serving seven years as chair.

Dan Davis, left, and the late Bob Gawley

Davis, professor of biochemistry, was appointed chair after distinguished professor Bob Gawley died in March. Davis has previously served seven years as chair of the department of chemistry and two years as interim chair of the department of biological sciences. He has been with the university for more than 34 years

Michael Riha and Andrew Gibbs

Riha, professor of drama, previously served as the department's vice chair and undergraduate advisor. He is head of scenic design for the master of fine arts program and has been on faculty for 21 years. Riha replaces professor D. Andrew Gibbs, who has served as chair since 1993. Gibbs officially retired on June 30, after 35 years with the university.

Kathryn Sloan and Lynda Coon

Sloan, associate professor of history, has served as director of graduate studies and associate chair for three years. She has been on faculty at the university since 2004. She assumes the helm of the department of history from Lynda Coon. Coon completed her five-year term as chair and currently is working on a new book on imagining Jesus in the Dark Ages (ca. 300-900). She has been at the university since 1990.