Dear faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the College of Arts & Sciences:
Last week, The Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida announced my appointment as Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, effective May 1, 2024. I also will serve as the L3Harris Endowed Professor, which will allow me to continue my space biology research program. The position is a great fit for me for many reasons, including its location on Florida’s “Space Coast.”
While I am excited about this new opportunity, I will greatly miss the wonderful people that make up the College of Arts & Sciences at UNC Greensboro, where I have served as dean for the past eight years.
We are fortunate to have a very large and engaged community of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters here in the College of Arts & Sciences, and it’s been an honor to get to know many of you over the years. It’s clear that our College’s commitment to providing a rigorous and well rounded liberal arts education has made a deep and lasting impact on our students, and in turn, on our communities.
I am pleased that Dr. Amy Adamson has been appointed interim dean following my departure. She has served the College well in her role as associate dean, and I know that she shares our common values in advocating for a strong liberal arts education. Drs. Chuck Bolton and Maura Heyn will continue to support her efforts as associate deans.
I have always felt strong support from our colleagues, students, alumni, and donors, and I appreciate this very much. I hope that you will continue to champion the College of Arts & Sciences in the years to come, and especially so during these challenging times for the University.
As you know, UNCG has been engaged in an Academic Portfolio Review (APR) and is facing the possibility of academic program cuts, many of which are housed in the College of Arts & Sciences. I know that many of you have questions and concerns about these possible changes. You are invited to learn more about the process here and to engage in the forums and other opportunities for feedback found here: https://innovation.uncg.edu/
Again, it has been an honor to serve as dean of this great College of Arts & Sciences, and I will continue to admire the great work of our students, faculty, alumni, and supporters in the years to come.
Sincerely,
John Z. Kiss, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Arts & Sciences
