College of Humanities & Social Sciences Appoints New Associate Dean

LOGAN — Associate Professor of English Jared Colton has been selected as the new associate dean of undergraduate academic affairs in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Colton’s new appointment is effective on July 1.

A faculty member in the college since 2014, Colton most recently served as the director of graduate studies for the Department of English, where he teaches courses in technical communication and rhetoric. His research centers on ethics and politics in technical communication and is currently focused on communication across social and mobile media technologies.

“I’m so excited to be a part of Dean Ward’s great leadership team,” Colton said. “I have a passion for undergraduate education, and I look forward to working with folks across the different departments to support our students’ educations and experiences at USU, from curriculum development to scholarship and fellowship programs.”

The associate dean of undergraduate academic affairs is tasked with managing curriculum proposals and undergraduate teaching fellows as well as overseeing several scholarship initiatives including the CHaSS Make It or Break It Fund. Additionally, Colton will be the key administrator to address student concerns and needs within the college.

“Dr. Colton will bring tremendous leadership skills to his new role in the college,” said Phebe Jensen, department head of English. “His boundless energy, deep commitment to serving others and enthusiasm have benefited all of us in the English department, but especially students. He never stops thinking up and implementing new ways to create community among students, support them in their education and guide them toward a life after college.”

Colton will serve as one of three CHaSS associate deans and replaces outgoing Executive Associate Dean Matt Sanders, who is stepping down to return to his faculty role in communication studies. Sanders has served as associate dean of undergraduate studies for seven years.

During the CHaSS awards ceremony in March, Sanders was praised for helping to manage and improve the undergraduate experience during his outstanding service to the college. He is excited to return to teaching and looks forward to spending more time mentoring students.

“Like Matt has done for the past seven years, Jared is going to play a prominent role in helping to move the college’s academic programs forward,” CHaSS Dean Joe Ward said.

According to Ward, programs in CHaSS are increasingly interdisciplinary, and working with faculty members across the college to provide new opportunities to students will be a central part of the new associate dean’s responsibilities.

“My own Ph.D. is interdisciplinary,” Colton said, “so I’m thrilled to form new relationships with folks from a variety of areas, learn from them, and build upon the great work of Matt Sanders.”

A cornerstone of Utah State University, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences brings together faculty members engaged in original research and creative activities to teach and mentor students who aspire to be leaders in their professions and communities. Degrees in humanities and social sciences cultivate highly-adaptable professional skills in students through teaching effective communication, research, data analysis, and creative problem-solving.