Bill Falls, chair of the Department of Psychological Sciences, has been appointed interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, effective July 15, 2015, the University of Vermont has announced.

Falls has chaired the Psychology Department, one of the largest, most intellectually diverse and most successful academic departments at UVM, since 2006.

“Bill Falls is widely regarded within the college, across the university, and throughout his professional circles as an outstanding scholar, teacher and colleague,” said UVM provost David Rosowsky. “Bill is a highly productive scholar, a deeply committed educator and a proven academic leader. He will provide vision and leadership to the College of Arts and Sciences, and I very much look forward to working closely with him in the coming year.”

“I am pleased to add that Dr. Joel Goldberg has agreed to stay on as associate dean for the coming year, both to support Bill in his role as interim dean and to continue to work toward a smooth transition for the College to IBB,” Rosowsky added. “In making this decision, Joel has reaffirmed his commitment to CAS and to its critical position at UVM.”

“I have every confidence in Bill and Joel,” said UVM president Tom Sullivan. “This experienced team will provide outstanding leadership and skilled management for this very important college, which is central to the education of all students at UVM.”  

In accepting the interim dean position, Falls said, “I believe that the breadth of scholarship and teaching in the college is its strength and that for this great university to thrive, Arts and Sciences must also thrive. It is my honor and privilege to accept this position and to offer hard work, energy, enthusiasm and a renewed vision in support of the gifted and hard working teacher-scholars and staff in Arts and Sciences.”

In addition to his administrative duties as chair, Falls has remained active as both a teacher and researcher at UVM, directing the Falls Laboratory of Behaviorial Neuroscience, which examines the neurobiological mechanism involved in both the elicitation and reduction of fear and anxiety.