Lacy Ford has been named dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and will begin July 1.

He previously served as the Senior Vice Provost and Dean of Graduate Studies at USC, where he created and implemented the Pipeline for Academy Leadership.  PAL is a year-long invitation only fellowship program where participants complete 50  hours of professional development activities focused on President Pastides’ five leadership competencies. Dr. Ford received his bachelors and PhD in history from the University of South Carolina. He became an assistant professor at the university in 1984, where he ultimately became a professor and served as department chair. 

Dr. Ford will use his institutional knowledge and administrative experience to advance the College of Arts and Sciences into the next chapter of excellence.  He plans to encourage innovative teaching methods and foster research productivity.