ULL appoints new dean for Liberal Arts college

LAFAYETTE — The University of Louisiana at Lafayette announced Tuesday the appointment of Jordan Kellman as new dean of the ULL’s College of Liberal Arts effective July 1.

The University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors approved the appointment at its meeting Tuesday.

Kellman, an associate professor of history, replaces David Barry, who retired earlier this year.

Kellman said he plans to broaden the college’s international focus through study abroad opportunities and the coordination of “international components” within its curriculum, according to a university news release.

“I also want to develop and promote the college’s role as a bearer of Louisiana history, heritage and culture,” he said in the news release.

Kellman has served as interim director of Academic Planning and Faculty Development since 2010. In his new role, he said his priorities also involve “developing a broader culture of sharing best practices in teaching and student retention and encouraging and promoting the college’s faculty research.”

“Dr. Kellman is eminently qualified to lead the college,” said Carolyn Bruder, interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “Ultimately, I believe his broad experience and deep understanding of our university’s culture and aspirations will be a tremendous asset to the college.”

Kellman earned his doctorate at Princeton University in the history of science and French history. He holds master’s degrees from Princeton and the University of California at Berkeley and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois.

ULL’s College of Liberal Arts includes 10 departments: communication, communicative disorders, criminal justice, English, history and geography, modern languages, moving image arts, political science, psychology and sociology and anthropology.