William Falls has been named dean of the University of Vermont College of Arts and Sciences. His appointment follows a national search generating applications from more than 100 highly-qualified scholars representing a diversity of disciplines from leading national and international higher education institutions.

Falls earned his undergraduate degree from Bates College and his Ph.D. from Yale University. He joined the University of Vermont faculty in the Department of Psychology in 1998 and was appointed full professor in 2010. Before his appointment in July 2015 as interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Falls served for nine years as chair of the Department of Psychological Science (the name was given to the department in 2014), one of the largest, most intellectually diverse and active academic departments at UVM.

Falls epitomizes the teacher-scholar model that is a hallmark of the University of Vermont. He has taught undergraduate courses regularly at UVM while also maintaining an active research program. His curriculum vita lists 49 peer-reviewed publications that he authored or co-authored; nine book chapters; 61 conference presentations; and 19 invited presentations.

“Bill Falls is a highly-productive and well-respected educator and scholar,” said UVM president Tom Sullivan. “His experience, talents and skills align very well with the needs of the College of Arts and Sciences. We have every confidence that his vision and leadership will further the accomplishments of the college’s outstanding faculty and enhance its emphases on academic excellence, diversity and faculty and student success.”

"I’ve grown up academically at UVM, and I know our faculty well,” Falls said. “They are truly excellent and practice the scholar-teacher-mentor model at the highest level. It is an honor to serve them, our students and UVM as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.”

Falls’ research is focused on the neurobiology of fear and anxiety. It seeks to understand the neurobiological basis of their inhibition and the brain mechanisms that help to produce resistance to stress-related mental health challenges.

PUBLISHED

02-24-2016
University Communications