Ikeda, Knapp Appointed New Associate Deans of the College
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Hank Dobin, dean of the College at Washington and Lee University, has announced the appointment of two associate deans who will begin their four-year terms on July 1, 2006.
Janet Ikeda is an associate professor of East Asian Languages and Literatures who has been a W&L faculty member since 1999. She teaches courses in First-Year Japanese, Japanese Literature in Translation and Food and Tea in Japan. Her research focuses on 16th-century Japanese poetry of the elite warrior class. She was instrumental in the development of the new major in the department of East Asian Languages and Literatures and now serves as department head.
Ikeda has guided the planning for an authentic Japanese Tea Room to be constructed early this summer in the Watson Pavilion. She has helped lead the yearlong Review of the University Initiatives on Substance Abuse, and serves on the Student Affairs Committee and the Information Technology Advisory Committee. She is a member of the executive board of the Association of Teachers of Japanese.
Ikeda earned her Ph.D. at Princeton University.
"This is an exciting time to join the Office of the Dean," says Ikeda. "The challenge ahead is to further good work already started by others in encouraging multiple perspectives and voices to flourish within our academic community. For me, this lively exchange defines the liberal arts experience. My wish for every Washington and Lee University student is to leave here having had one unique experience or encounter that will alter some way in which they view the world."
Elizabeth Knapp, a member of the W&L class of 1990, is an associate professor of geology who has been a W&L faculty member since 1997. She teaches a variety of courses in geology including General Geology with Field Emphasis, Earth Materials and Geochemistry. Her research focuses on low temperature aqueous geochemistry, rock weathering and paleoclimate.
Knapp is very active in service to the University and community, including serving as acting head of the geology department last year and chairing the College Strategic Planning Group on "Creating a Work Environment that Inspires Excellence" this past fall. She also serves on the "Celebrating Women" Planning Committee and the Faculty Governance Committee. Knapp earned her Ph.D. at the University of Virginia.
"It will be an honor to serve the University as an associate dean," said Knapp. "I look forward to working closely with the faculty, staff, and students of the College over the next four years. It is an exciting time on campus with the expansion of the faculty and the renovations and additions to our academic space and curriculum. I hope to carry on the excellent work done by my colleagues and predecessors in the Deans' office." Added Dobin, "We all owe them our gratitude for their willingness to dedicate the next phase of their careers to serving the students and faculty of the College and to helping make our hopes for W&L's bright future a reality." | | | | | |
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