CLASS Announces Appointment of New Directors for 7 Departments

The University of Houston College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS) proudly announces the appointment of seven department chairs beginning in the 2024-25 academic year. These newly elected leaders bring a wealth of expertise and will serve their respective departments for the next three years, guiding students, faculty, and staff to new heights.

“We are thrilled to have such an exceptional group of individuals take on these important leadership roles,” said Dean Dan O’Connor. “Their passion, vision and commitment to excellence will be invaluable as we continue to enhance the student experience and drive innovation within our college.”

Four professors will be newly appointed to head departments: Catherine F. Patterson (History), Scott Savage (Sociology), Alessandro Carrera (Modern and classical languages) and Arlen Chase (Comparative Cultural Studies).

Catherine F. Patterson, the new chair of the Department of History, said, “I look forward to helping my colleagues and our students achieve their academic and educational goals. Helping solve problems, connecting people to resources, and generating new ideas are all exciting aspects of being chair.”

Three presidents were re-elected based on demonstrated success and academic progress during their previous terms: Jennifer Vardeman (Communication), Margaret Blake (Communication Sciences and Disorders) and Craig Johnston (Health and human performance).

“In one of the Star Trek movies, the former captain of the Enterprise tells the new captain, ‘Don’t get promoted. Stay where you can make a difference,’” adds Alessandro Carrera, the new head of modern and classical languages. “I don’t see my new position as a promotion, I see it as a chance to make a difference.”