The College of Arts and Letters recently made its final selection in the search to fill the position of associate dean. Dr. Madeleine Hooper, currently the head of the modern and classical languages department, accepted the position effective July 1.
Hooper will gradually assume the duties associated with her new position and overlap with Dr. Roger Stoner, current associate dean, until his retirement in January 2012.
“Dr. Hooper will be a fantastic associate dean. Her unique personal and intellectual qualities will serve the college very well,” Stoner says. “With Dean Adams and Associate Dean Hooper at the helm, the college could not be in better hands.”
There are some special short-term projects Hooper will take on for the college. Additionally, she will help with the transition of the incoming acting modern and classical languages department head.
“I love that I get a new challenge,” Hooper says. “I loved being department head, but after 10 years I felt like I wanted a change and that’s what I most look forward to. Working for the college seems like a wonderful opportunity.”
Hooper received her doctorate from the University of Kansas. In addition to her department head duties, she teaches French and Italian. Her specific interest areas for research include foreign language policy, assessment and international programs.
“My passions are international and diversity,” Hooper says. “I hope that I can be a force that pushes in that direction for us to work on our international components, work on diversity and, of course, to support the dean and the department heads.”
In addition to her new role as associate dean, Hooper also hopes to maintain her advising activities and coordinator position with the global studies major.
“Her interests in advising, assessment, interdisciplinary initiatives and international programs will serve and enhance college and university priorities,” Stoner says. “Her ability to work with students, faculty and staff is extraordinary, as is her comprehensive knowledge of the College of Arts and Letters.”