Dr. Mary A. Papazian, the new dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, comes from Oakland University in Michigan, where she served as associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

At Oakland University since 1988, Papazian had been associate dean of the university's largest academic unit since 1999. Offering more than two-thirds of all courses at the university, the college is home to 240 full-time and 200-part time faculty members and has a yearly operating budget of $25 million.

During her tenure, Papazian developed and gained approval for academic programs ranging from a Ph.D. in biological communication to an M.A. in liberal studies and bachelor degree programs in studio art and women's studies. She served as the university's coordinator for the annual Meeting of the Minds undergraduate research conference; as ombudsman for faculty and students; and as executive director of the Department of Music, Theatre and Dance, where she developed an assessment of the current state of performing arts at Oakland and a plan for its future. She taught English literature starting in 1988, was named associate professor in 1994, and full professor in 2003.

"We are delighted that such a talented and visionary administrator, teacher and scholar has joined the leadership team at Montclair State," said Provost Richard Lynde. "Mary's guidance and vision at the largest of MSU's colleges and schools will prove invaluable as we continue our efforts to elevate the University's academic and programmatic offerings to the very highest level."

"Montclair State University is on the cusp of a new era that will carry it to great heights," Papazian said. "I'm excited to have the opportunity to assist the University, and its faculty, students and administrative leadership team in reaching that goal. The dynamism, enthusiasm and excitement of a University reaching its potential as a truly great institution is contagious."

Papazian was also chair of the Phyllis Law Googasian Award Committee at Oakland University; and chair of the College of Arts and Science's Committee on Appointment and Promotion. She participated in ongoing fund-raising activities; chaired the Teaching Excellence Award Committee; and was a member of the University Senate, Honor's College Council and the executive committee of the university's affiliate of the American Council of Education Network for Women Leaders.

An active writer, researcher and conference speaker, Papazian was editor of John Donne and the Protestant Reformation: New Perspectives, published by Wayne State University Press in 2003 and has two additional books nearly complete. She also has contributed numerous articles on John Donne and the early modern period to books and journals such as Modern Philology and the John Donne Journal. In addition, she recently was elected second vice-president of the John Donne Society.

Papazian earned a bachelor's degree in English literature in 1981; a master's in 1983 and a Ph.D. in 1988, all from the University of California, Los Angeles. She is married to Dennis R. Papazian, a long-time scholar at the University of Michigan, Dearborn with expertise in the history of the former Soviet Union and its successor states (particularly Armenia). They have two daughters, Ani, age 10, and Marie, age 5.