College Adds Academic Affairs and Diversity Position; Long to Assume Role

The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences will add the position of Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Diversity to the Dean’s Office in 2015-16. Shawn Long, currently chair of the Department of Communication Studies, will assume this role on July 1.

“The College continues to sharpen its focus on diversity, as well as on research and support for faculty and graduate students,” said Dean Nancy A. Gutierrez. “With the pending departure of Associate Dean Charles Brody for Misericordia University, we have the opportunity to reshape how the College office responds to these needs.”

Gutierrez indicated that a search was in process to identify an Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education.

“However, “ she said, “We also decided to add a point person in the Dean’s office to provide leadership in faculty affairs, particularly in governance matters, as well as in the area of diversity, both of which are essential to our mission. This is where Shawn comes into the picture.”

Long will oversee faculty governance, acting as a liaison with the College Course and Curriculum and Faculty Council. He will also lead college diversity initiatives, including working with the Department Diversity Liaisons.

Richard Leeman, professor in the Department of Communication Studies, will serve as interim chair of the department for the 2015-2016 academic year.

Long comes to the College leadership position with extensive experience. He is professor in communication studies and organizational science and affiliate faculty with Africana studies and the Center for Professional and Applied Ethics. He is a Provost Faculty Fellow.

During his tenure as chair, the Department of Communication Studies in 2013 received the Provost’s Award for Excellence in Teaching. Long earned the 2012 Outstanding Service Award from the African American Communication and Culture Division and the Black Caucus of the National Communication Association. The award honors an individual who exemplifies excellence in service, in recognition of extraordinary works of service by an active NCA member, specifically with an impact on the livelihood of African Americans in academia and in the national and international Black community.

Long has provided extensive service to the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, UNC Charlotte and the disciplines. He has served as a member of committees of over a dozen doctoral and master’s degree candidates. He has led and served on faculty, department chair and administrator review and search committees. He developed and was the first coordinator of the Organizational Science Summer Institute, which focuses on expanding diversity among students in the field. He also served as faculty associate with the Arts and Sciences Learning Community and founding adviser to Lambda Pi Eta-Nu Lambda Chapter, the Communication Studies Honors Society.

Words: Lynn Roberson, College Communications Director
Image: Courtesy of Shawn Long