McWilliam to lead Graduate Education for Trinity College of Arts & Sciences

McWilliam

In an effort to advance graduate education across Trinity College of Arts & Sciences, Neil McWilliam, the Walter H. Annenberg Professor of Art, Art History & Visual Studies, will serve as the college’s first Graduate Dean, effective July 1, 2020.

“Graduate students are an invaluable part of all we do at Duke, as they pursue groundbreaking research and advance scholarship but also shape and influence undergraduate teaching, co-curricular offerings, and campus culture,” said Dean Valerie Ashby in an announcement about the new role.

“The thoughtfulness, creativity and focus Neil has brought to his year as Dean of the Humanities – as well as the time he spent in leadership roles within his home department – have prepared him well for this important work.”

McWilliam will work closely with leadership in The Graduate School and the academic departments to ensure Trinity College is actively serving this population of students, with particular emphasis on three key areas:

  • Mentorship for Graduate Students
  • Promoting a Positive Culture and Climate
  • Identifying a Sustainable Funding Model

“We recognize that graduate education as it exists today is not a consistent experience across Trinity,” Ashby said. “Neil will be essential to framing and leading the work needed to achieve our goals in this area over the coming year.”