The University of North Georgia has a new person heading its College of Arts & Letters.
UNG has announced the appointment of Elisabeth Burgess as the new dean of the College of Arts & Letters. The appointment was effective Feb. 10. That college, which serves approximately 4,500 students, is one of the university’s largest academic units. In addition to her role as dean, Burgess will also serve as a professor of sociology.
“We are excited to have Dr. Burgess joining us. Her experience in a large and complex university, knowledge of the University System of Georgia, and history of supporting faculty will be huge assets in leading the College of Arts & Letters as we pursue our strategic big bets,” Chaudron Gille, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, said.
Burgess joins UNG after a distinguished 27-year tenure at Georgia State University, where she most recently held the position of associate dean for faculty affairs in the College of Arts & Sciences. She also previously directed the Gerontology Institute and served as a professor of gerontology and sociology.
Speaking about her decision to join UNG, Burgess shared her appreciation for the university’s dynamic leadership and student-centered approach.
“I was looking for somewhere with dynamic leadership and a student-focused environment. UNG has both of those in spades,” Burgess said. “President Shannon and Provost Gille have a great vision for the university.”
Burgess highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary education in preparing students for the future workforce.
“Students today need to be able to talk across disciplines. The jobs of the future are not going to be narrow,” Burgess said. “Our graduates will need to be able to understand criminal justice and artificial intelligence, how science and the arts work together, and similar interconnections. We will need to continue to connect across the university to help our students prepare for what comes next. The big bets and the moonshots are talking to that in many ways.”
Burgess’ career has been marked by numerous accolades, including the Gordon Streib Distinguished Academic Gerontologist Award and the Victor W. Marshall Fellowship in Applied Gerontology.
She is also a fellow of the Gerontological Society of America and holds a Ph.D. and Master of Arts in sociology from the University of Southern California. She has participated in the University System of Georgia Executive Leadership Institute and the Emory Academic Leadership Program.
Burgess succeeds Christopher Jespersen, who served as dean of the College of Arts & Letters since 2005. Jespersen, a professor of history and director of special programs, will continue his work with the college after transitioning from the dean’s role.
