Kristin Huffine
Christopher McCord, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, is announcing administrative changes in the college, including a new leader for the Center for Latino and Latin American Studies.
McCord selected professor Kristin Huffine of the Department of History as the center’s new acting director, effective Aug. 16 through June 30, 2015.
“Dr. Huffine brings a great deal of energy, intelligence and vision to the role,” McCord said. “I have great confidence in her ability to help chart the center’s course for the next two years.”
Huffine replaces Sandy Lopez, who served as acting director following the retirement this past spring of history professor Michael Gonzales, who led the center for a quarter of a century.
The center, which boasts about 30 faculty associates from across the university, offers a minor in Latino and Latin American Studies, a graduate concentration in Latin American Studies, undergraduate scholarships, a speaker series, cultural programming, outreach activities and research grants for affiliated faculty and graduate students.
“I’m grateful to Dr. Huffine for her willingness to take on the role, and to Ms. Lopez for her service throughout this important transition period,” McCord said. “We’re especially appreciative of Michael Gonzales for his many years of service and outstanding contributions to the Center for Latino and Latin American Studies and the Department of History.”
Dean Christopher McCord
McCord also announced that professor Gary Burns has been confirmed for a second term as chair of the Department of Communication. His new term will run through June 30, 2017.
Professor Sanjib Basu has assumed the role of director of the Division of Statistics, with his term extending through June 30, 2018. Basu, who has served as director of graduate studies for the division, replaces Rama Lingham, who completed his second four-year term as director.
Professor James Schmidt has assumed the role of chair of the Department of History, with his term extending through June 30, 2018. Schmidt previously served as assistant chair. He follows Beatrix Hoffman, who completed her four-year term as chair.
Professor Nancy Castle, who has been serving as acting director of the Center for Non-Governmental Leadership & Development, has been confirmed as director. Her term as director will run through June 30, 2018.
Professor Melissa Lenczewski, who has been serving as acting director of the Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability and Energy, has been confirmed as director. Her term will run through June 30, 2018.
“I would like to thank all of these individuals for their willingness to serve in these important leadership roles,” McCord said.
