Harriot College dean announces revised associate dean positions

Allison S. Danell, dean of the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences at East Carolina University, has announced the selection of two faculty members who will serve in newly revised associate dean positions within the college.

Dr. Jean-Luc Scemama, associate professor and director of undergraduate studies in the Department of Biology, is Harriot College’s new associate dean for academic programs. Scemama started his new role in February.

“Jean-Luc has been an excellent servant leader over the years, which is why he was selected to serve in this role,” Danell said. “He has been a fantastic director of undergraduate studies for biology for many years, and I’m so thankful he is ready to take on a new challenge of representing all the programs in our college.”

Dr. Marianne Montgomery, left, associate professor of English, and Dr. Jean-Luc Scemama, associate professor of biology, were appointed to newly revised positions within the Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences. (Contributed/ECU photos)

“I feel honored to have been chosen to serve in this position, and I am excited to be able to work with colleagues throughout the college to help with program development,” Scemama said.

Scemama came to ECU in 1994 and became biology’s director of undergraduate studies in 2011. As associate dean for academic programs, Scemama will identify and expand collaborative opportunities across the curriculum, with an increased emphasis on marketing and communication of certificate programs and co- and extra-curricular opportunities.

In addition, Scemama will provide leadership and oversight of the college’s undergraduate and graduate councils. He will develop and deliver student recruitment strategies, with an emphasis on access, diversity and inclusion, and he will develop and establish working relationships with offices and partners involved in admissions, advising, retention, career readiness and degree completion, as well as marketing and communication.

“I am looking forward to working with departments to help with recruitment and growth, and I am hoping to develop creative ways to target different student populations, as well as to increase diversity and inclusion,” said Scemama. “I am excited to share the knowledge I have accumulated throughout my years working on university committees and initiatives.”

Dr. Marianne Montgomery, associate professor and chair of the Department of English, has been selected as Harriot College’s associate dean for faculty and student affairs. She will step down as chair and begin her new role on July 1.

“Marianne has been an amazing colleague as a faculty member and chair, and I am excited to have her take on this new leadership role,” Danell said. “I know she will be a fantastic associate dean.”

Montgomery came to ECU in August 2006 and became chair of English in spring 2016. As associate dean for faculty and student affairs, Montgomery will support faculty and students in Harriot College with an increased emphasis on advancement, wellness and professional development, and with a consistent focus on creating a welcoming community for all.

“It has been a great privilege to serve as chair of English for the past five years, and I am ready for a new challenge,” Montgomery said. “I am excited to be joining the college leadership team.”

In her new role, Montgomery will provide oversight of a variety of faculty activities, including new faculty orientation, credentialing, tenure, promotion, advancement in title and other recognition and awards. She will mentor and support faculty members of all ranks, developing programs and establishing working relationships with offices and partners involved in faculty recruitment, support, mentoring, retention, mediation and networking.

“I’m especially interested in building cross-department cohorts of new faculty and helping offer them meaningful and supportive onboarding and orientation experiences,” Montgomery said.

Similarly, Montgomery will mentor and support undergraduate and graduate students during their careers at ECU. This includes guiding their professional development, fostering constructive and productive relationships with faculty, staff and other students, and identifying opportunities for student support and recognition.

“I am looking forward to mentoring faculty and students,” Montgomery said. “I aim to support students while upholding ECU’s academic standards and commitments to student success.”