Rebecca Deen accepts role as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs

Monday, Apr 04, 2022 • Christy Brady : CONTACT

The College of Liberal Arts at UTA is proud to announce that Rebecca Deen, Interim Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for COLA, has accepted the permanent role of Associate Dean of Academic Affairs.

Deen is a distinguished teaching professor and political analyst who has received awards and recognition in both professional arenas. In addition to being inducted into the UTA Academy of Distinguished Teachers, in 2013 she received the UT System Regents Outstanding Teaching Award—University of Texas at Arlington. Her commitment to leadership through service is also evidenced by the numerous national, university, departmental and community committees she has served on and/or chaired.

“There is so much energy and positive momentum in the College.  It’s been a joy to help faculty excel in all areas of their work – from developing cool courses and programs to landing funding to propel their research and creative activity.  I am grateful to have the opportunity to serve.”

Deen has completed extensive research and instructed on topics related to the American presidency, Women in Politics, Civic Engagement and Civil Society, Leadership and Policy Making, and Effective Pedagogy. She is actively engaged in initiatives focused on Civic Engagement, Community Activism and a Healthy Democracy, Pathways to Service: Civic Skills, Networks of Recruitment, and Ambition, along with Exploring Community Action Networks in Education Policy. As well, she is frequently called on by local and national media outlets to offer to insights on a wide range of issues impacting modern society. Today, Deen turns her focus to leadership excellence at the college level.

“I am exceptionally pleased that Dr. Deen has accepted our offer to become Associate Dean,” expressed Interim Dean of CoLA, Dan Cavanagh. “She has done an outstanding job over the past year as interim associate dean, throughout a changing and challenging time in higher education. She has proven herself to be an innovative, entrepreneurial, and collaborative leader. I am very thankful to continue to be able to serve alongside her as we work with all our colleagues to support the impactful work our faculty and students do in UTA’s College of Liberal Arts.”

Besides her commitment to higher education, Deen has also held leadership positions with the American Political Science Association, chairing the Committee on the Status of Women in the Profession, the Committee on the Status of Asian American/Pacific Islanders in the Profession, and the Search Committee for the editors of PS, one of the Associations lead journals.