Dear UMBC Community,
I am delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Kimberly Moffitt as Interim Dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences (CAHSS) effective August 17, 2020.
Dr. Moffitt’s appointment brings to a conclusion a successful search that began in early July. On behalf of the entire campus community, I would like to express my gratitude and thanks to all members of the Search Committee, chaired by Professor Timothy Nohe. Their commitment and hard work constitutes an outstanding contribution to the future of CAHSS and UMBC. I also wish to acknowledge the advice and counsel the CAHSS and campus communities provided to the Search Committee.
Dr. Moffitt joined the UMBC community in 2006 as an assistant professor of American Studies, and, prior to her appointment as Interim Dean, served as director of the Language, Literacy & Culture doctoral program. She is a professor of Language, Literacy & Culture and affiliate professor of Africana Studies.
Dr. Moffitt brings to her new position an outstanding record of scholarship and leadership in shared governance, including serving as president and vice president of UMBC’s Faculty Senate, a member of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee, UMBC’s NCAA Faculty Athletic Representative, and as a member of several other university committees.
Dr. Moffitt received a B.A. in political science from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte, an M.A. in mass communication from Boston University, and a Ph.D. in mass communication/media studies from Howard University. Prior to joining the UMBC faculty, she was the first Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Fellow from Howard University and completed a teaching postdoctoral fellowship at Hope College in Holland, Michigan before holding a faculty position at DePaul University.
As a media scholar and critic, Dr. Moffitt’s work centers on topics that encompass ideas of citizenship, identity, representations, and belonging in society. Specifically, she explores the mediated representations of the black body and its extremities (e.g., hair), often in programming such as Disney and other media forms. Her research seeks to understand how these representations influence communication among different cultures, affect policies within institutional structures, and impact the self-esteem and self-worth of those occupying black bodies. She has an extensive publication record, including five co-edited volumes and numerous scholarly articles and book chapters. In addition to her service at UMBC, Dr. Moffitt also extends her expertise into the greater Baltimore community by facilitating workshops on diversity and inclusion, as well as appearing as a featured guest on several media outlets, both locally and nationally. Dr. Moffitt is a founding parent of Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys charter school and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She remains actively involved in her disciplinary association, National Communication Association, and is also a board member of the National Association of Media Literacy Education.
As Interim Dean of CAHSS, Dr. Moffitt will lead the College in advancing excellence in teaching, research, and service. She will work collaboratively with colleagues across campus to promote innovative interdisciplinary teaching and research. Dr. Moffitt will supervise the College’s planning and budget development; oversee teaching, research, outreach, and administration within the College; develop and promote activities that support a diverse faculty; and oversee faculty development, promotion and tenure, and appointments. She also will participate in campus-wide shared governance processes, serve as a member of the university’s leadership team, and provide effective leadership and support to students, faculty, and staff as the UMBC community continues to face the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Moffitt will build on the remarkable legacy of Dean Scott Casper, who will step down as dean on August 17 to become Dean Emeritus and President of the American Antiquarian Society.
UMBC is very fortunate to have someone of Dr. Moffitt’s impressive experience, abilities, and talent to serve as Interim Dean of CAHSS. Please join me in congratulating and supporting her.
Philip Rous, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs