Three Women Appointed to Dean Positions

Valencia E. Matthews was named dean of the new College of Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee. In 2012, the College of Arts and Science was separated into two schools: the College of Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities and the College of Science and Technology.

Dr. Matthews has been serving as interim dean since last July. From December 2011 to June 2012, she was interim chair of the department of music at the university.  From 2002 to 2012, she was assistant dean of the College of Arts and Science. Professor Matthews has served on the university’s faculty since 1993.

Dr. Matthews is a graduate of South Carolina State University. She holds a master’s degree from Ohio State University and a doctorate in theater from Florida State University.

Janice Hudgings was named dean of the college and vice president for academic affairs at Pomona College in Claremont, California. Currently, she is associate dean of faculty and a professor of physics at Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, Massachusetts. She will take on her new role on July 1.

Dr. Hudgings is a graduate of Swarthmore College, where she was a double major in mathematics and engineering. She earned a master’s degree in mathematics as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University. Professor Hudgings holds a Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of California at Berkeley.

Majorie S. Thomas was appointed dean of students at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia, effective July 1. Currently, she is associate vice president for student affairs at the College of Charleston in South Carolina. She has been on the staff at the College of Charleston since 2007 and previously held a number of administrative positions at the University of Miami.

Thomas is a graduate of Florida International University in Miami. She holds a master’s degree from the University of Georgia and a law degree from Florida A&M University.