Emily Todd, Ph.D., chair of the Department of English, has been appointed as founding dean of the University’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Science. Her appointment is effective June 29.
Dr. Todd’s appointment is the final of the three for the college founding deans.
“Committee members valued Dr. Todd’s significant investment in the success of our students, the arts, humanities, and social sciences, and the University,” said Enrique Morales-Diaz, Ph.D., co-chair of the search committee and interim dean of faculty. “Also impressive is her experience building community and considering the needs of faculty members from diverse disciplines. An excellent listener and collaborative problem solver, Dr. Todd is adept at connecting people with necessary resources.”
Dr. Todd joined the University in 1999 as an assistant professor. She was promoted to associate professor in 2005 and full professor in 2010, when she also began her tenure as department chair. She co-founded the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning on campus in 2000 and later served as its coordinator. Dr. Todd also oversaw the internship program for the Department of English, and has worked with the College of Graduate and Continuing Education to coordinate and provide assistance for the English Department’s graduate program offerings.
Dr. Todd has participated in numerous administrative, academic, planning, and search committees during her time at Westfield State. In addition, she has published several articles and presented widely in her field. She also co-edited a collection of essays entitled Transatlantic Stowe: Harriet Beecher Stowe and European Culture (U of Iowa P, 2006).
Active off-campus as well, she served for three years on the Executive Committee of the Association of Departments of English (ADE), a program of the Modern Language Association, and was selected as the 2017 ADE president. As a member of the ADE Executive Committee, she facilitated multiple discussions and workshops on timely topics in higher education. At the state level, Dr. Todd has participated in discussions and workshops on partnerships with high schools and on curricular pathways for transfer students. In addition, she has also volunteered in her community, serving on boards and organizing events in the schools.
Prior to joining Westfield State, Dr. Todd held part-time teaching positions at Northwestern University, Loyola University (Chicago), and the University of Minnesota.
“It is an honor to have been selected as the founding dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Science,” said Dr. Todd. “I look forward to collaborating with all departments, as well as my fellow deans, and I am truly excited to begin work on this new chapter of Westfield State’s long and vibrant history.”
Dr. Todd graduated magna cum laude with a B.A. in American studies from Amherst College; earned a M.Phil. in Scottish literature from St. Andrews University in Scotland; and a Ph.D. in English from the University of Minnesota.