EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Eastern Michigan University has appointed Dana Heller as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. The University made the announcement on Wednesday, May 2, 2018.

Heller is past chair of the Old Dominion University (ODU) Department of English and served as interim dean of the College of Arts and Letters in 2016-2017. Previous to this, she served for 11 years as director of the Humanities Institute and Graduate Program at ODU.

“Dr. Heller’s extensive administrative experience and enthusiastic support of interdisciplinary programs make her an ideal fit for Eastern Michigan University,” said Rhonda Longworth, Eastern Michigan provost and executive vice president of academic and student affairs. “I’m excited about Dr. Heller’s range of research, along with the deep cultural perspective and insight that she will bring in leading the College of Arts and Sciences.”

Heller launched the annual interdisciplinary junior faculty forum and was designated an Eminent Scholar by Old Dominion in 2012. She also received an Outstanding Faculty Award (1997) from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, ODU's Charles E. and Elizabeth Burgess Award for Research and Creativity (2007) and two Fulbright Senior Lecturer awards. 

Her research interests include cultural studies, LGBTQ studies, international television and film studies, and American studies.

Heller received a Bachelor of Arts in English and Theater from Goddard College, in Plainfield, Vt., a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Columbia University, and a Doctorate in English from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York.

Upon Heller’s formal appointment, Kathleen Stacey, who has served as interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences since 2016, will return to her role as director of the School of Communication, Media and Theatre Arts.

“I can’t say enough about Dr. Stacey’s important role at the University and her work as interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences,” said Longworth. “She is an outstanding colleague, educator and administrator. Her diligence and sensitivity in supporting the college, its students, faculty and staff represent exceptional service to Eastern.”

Former College of Arts and Sciences Dean Thomas Venner retired in 2016.

Murali Nair, dean of the College of Health and Human Services, chaired the search committee. Other members included Melissa Jones, associate professor, English language and literature; Jesse Kauffman, associate professor, history and philosophy; Harriet Lindsay, professor, chemistry; Brian Nelson, professor, art; Barbara Patrick, associate professor, political science; Diane Winder, department head, music and dance; Carol Freedman-Doan, department head, psychology; Peter Higgins, department head, women and gender studies; Daniel Ragin, external representative; Candice Hunter, academic HR consultant; and Amy Ducher, administative associate to the provost.

Heller’s appointment is effective July 16, 2018, pending approval by the University’s Board of Regents. Her salary is $215,000.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest university in Michigan. It currently serves 20,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.