David Anderson

GRANVILLE - On July 1, 1999, Denison University named Luther College Dean David R. Anderson to succeed retiring Provost Charles J. Morris. Anderson has been professor of English and vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college at the Decorah, Iowa, liberal arts college since 1997.

A 1974 Phi Beta Kappa graduate of St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn., Anderson earned his doctorate in English from Boston College in 1978. His dissertation was titled "Thomson's Heavenly Musing: The Seasons as Theodicy." His publications include a 1993 book on "Approaches to Teaching the Works of Samuel Johnson" (co-edited with Gwin J. Kolb) and another on mystery writer "Rex Stout" published in 1984.

"David Anderson brings to Denison real appreciation for the liberal arts and an outstanding record of academic leadership. Anderson will work well with the Denison faculty to continue the enhancement of the college's academic programs," said President Knobel.

A native of LaCrosse, Wis., Anderson succeeds Professor of Psychology Charles J. Morris, a 1962 Denison graduate who has been provost since 1990. At Denison, the provost is the University's chief academic officer and serves as the college's chief executive officer in the president's absence.

This means that Anderson assumes overall responsibility for the University's curriculum, including its development, administration and evaluation; for the recruitment, evaluation and professional development of the 160-some faculty; and working with other senior staff on the preparation and administration of academic budgets.

Reporting to the provost are the associate provost, registrar, the directors of the library, computer center, athletics, recreation and physical education and chairs of all 22 academic departments.

Before joining Luther College, Anderson was associate dean of arts and humanities at Florida Atlantic University from 1996-97 and professor of English and chair of the department there from 1993-96.

He completed post-doctoral work at the University of Kansas in 1980-81, before joining the Texas A & M English department faculty in 1981 as an assistant professor. After being promoted to associate professor in 1987, he assumed responsibilities as director of undergraduate studies in English at Texas A & M from 1990-92 and became associate head of the department of English for 1992-93 academic year.

Anderson is a 1970 graduate of Central High School, LaCrosse, Wis., and his parents, James and Ruth Anderson, reside on East Young Drive, Onalaska, Wis. Married to Priscilla M. Paton, an alumna of Bowdoin College who is the daughter of Philip and Marian Paton of Troy, Maine, they have two children, James, 14 and Elizabeth, 11.

For press inquiries:

Name

Barbara Stambaugh

Position Title

Director, Media Relations

Primary Email

stambaughb@denison.edu

Business Phone

(740) 587-8575