UW News

March 2, 1999

David Hodge selected as dean of College of Arts and Sciences

David Hodge, interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Washington since July 1998, has been chosen by UW President Richard L. McCormick to be the dean of the college. Hodge’s appointment is subject to approval by the Board of Regents at the board’s March 19 meeting, which also will be the effective date of the appointment.

“David Hodge will be an outstanding dean,” said McCormick. “He has the experience, energy and vision to provide exceptional leadership for a college that defines the very core of the university. We had three excellent, well-qualified finalists for this position, each of whom presented considerable skills to this very challenging task. I would like to thank them, and I would like to thank the search advisory committee for its hard work on this most important appointment.”

Hodge said, “The past few months have given me a critical appreciation of the strengths and challenges of the College, especially in the context of the changing nature of higher education and the developing missions and priorities of the University. My goal is to help the individuals and units of the college gain the ability and the vision for ever greater accomplishments. I am extremely gratified to be chosen and very excited to help this college move forward.”

Hodge, 50, has been divisional dean for computing, facilities and research since 1996. He has a bachelor’s degree from Macalester College (1970) and a master’s (1973) and doctorate (1975) from the Pennsylvania State University. He became an assistant professor of geography at the UW in 1975, was promoted to associate professor in 1981, and to full professor in 1992. He served as department chair from 1995 to 1997. Under his leadership, the department transformed its curriculum and methods of instruction, moving to implement an active learning model for undergraduate education. Hodge’s research has focused on urban geography, transportation geography, information technology and quantitative methods. Hodge received the UW’s Distinguished Teaching Award in 1990. He served as the program officer for geography and regional science at the National Science Foundation in 1993-94.

With 41 degree-granting departments, schools and programs, the College of Arts and Sciences provides a breadth of educational opportunity in programs ranging from dance and English to genetics and geography. The college has more than 850 faculty members. More than 21,000 students enroll in the college’s programs each year and two-thirds of all graduating seniors receive their degrees from the college, making it by far the largest college in the university. Arts and Sciences faculty attract more than $60 million annually through federal and private research grants. All UW visual and performing arts programs are based in the College of Arts and Sciences, with more than 100 exhibits, concerts, and theatre productions which attract more than 200,000 visitors to campus throughout the year.

Hodge’s salary will be $175,000.