Fulbright College Names Yajaira Padilla Associate Dean for Arts and Humanities

Yajaira Padilla, professor and chair of the Department of English in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, has been appointed associate dean for arts and humanities, effective Aug. 10. In this role, Padilla will provide leadership for the college's arts and humanities programs, working closely with its department and school leaders to support strategic initiatives, foster faculty success and academic excellence across the college.  

"Yajaira is a respected scholar, an accomplished leader and someone who understands both the opportunities and the challenges facing the arts and humanities," said Brian Raines, dean of Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. "She has earned the trust of her colleagues through her collaborative leadership as chair of the Department of English, and I'm confident she will provide thoughtful leadership to Fulbright College." 

Padilla joined the U of A faculty in 2013 as an associate professor in the Department of English and the Latin American and Latino Studies Program. From 2017 to 2023, she served as the program director before being appointed chair of the Department of English. She was promoted to professor in 2022. Padilla is a nationally recognized scholar and the author of two books. She is an active member of several leading scholarly organizations, including the American Studies Association, the Latin American Studies Association and the Modern Language Association. 

Padilla succeeds Lia Uribe, whose last day with Fulbright College will be Aug. 9. Uribe has accepted a position at the University of Arizona, where she will continue her work as a scholar and educator. During her tenure, Uribe helped advance the college's academic priorities by supporting faculty and strengthening collaboration across the arts and humanities. After joining the U of A faculty in 2013, Uribe served the Department of Music as director of undergraduate studies, vice chair and chair before joining the dean's leadership team. 

"Lia has been an exceptional leader and colleague whose dedication has strengthened Fulbright College," Raines said. "While her departure is a significant loss for our community, we're excited to see all she will accomplish in this next chapter at the University of Arizona." 

"I am honored to serve Fulbright College in this new role and grateful for the opportunity to build on the strong foundation Lia has established," Padilla said. "I look forward to working with our department chairs, school directors, faculty, staff and students to support their success, foster collaboration and continue advancing excellence across our disciplines."