Wednesday, December 18, 2024–8:47 a.m.
-News Release-
After a national search, Berry College has appointed a new Dean of the Evans School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.
Interim Dean and Dana Professor of Political Science and International Affairs Kirsten Taylor will begin her official position as Dean on Jan. 1, 2025.
Taylor, who has served on the faculty since 2002 has a Ph.D. in political science from McGill University, where she also earned her master’s degree.
“Dean Taylor’s leadership will be pivotal as Berry College continues to champion hands-on education in the humanities, arts, and social sciences,” said Berry Provost David Slade. “Her dedication to academic excellence and experiential learning exemplifies our mission to educate the head, heart, and hands.”
She was the 2024 recipient of the Vulcan Teaching Excellence Award and is a past chair of the political science and international affairs department and Faculty Assembly, among other campus leadership roles. Taylor has served as advisor for the Model United Nations Club.
Taylor’s research and teaching interests include international institutions, global environmental politics, nuclear proliferation, and scholarship of teaching and learning. She has authored several books and numerous articles in her field and is actively involved in community service.
“The Berry mission of educating the head, heart, and hands resonates deeply with me. Throughout my career at Berry, I’ve seen many students be truly transformed by their experiences here. As interim dean, I have gained an even better appreciation of the variety of ways that our Evans faculty foster deep learning and actively support the personal and professional growth of our students. I am very excited for the opportunity to promote and grow these efforts as dean,” said Taylor.
Taylor and her husband, Berry Professor of Mathematics Ron Taylor, live in Rome.
