After conducting a nationwide search, the committee charged with finding a new dean for the School of Arts and Sciences realized the right candidate was already on campus. On January 1, Rebecca Bushnell will take over the role from Samuel Preston, who is stepping down after seven years to return to teaching and research. Bushnell, a professor of English, has for the past year and a half served as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, where she oversaw the establishment of the new Center for Programs in Contemporary Writing and the Cinema Studies program. She also worked to expand opportunities for undergraduate research through a summer research internship program.

A distinguished scholar, Bushnell has published extensively on classical and Renaissance culture. Her books include “Prophesying Tragedy: Sign and Voice in Sophocles Theban Plays,” “Tragedies of Tyrants: Political Thought and Theater in the English Renaissance” and most recently “Green Desire,” a study of early modern English gardening books.

Of Bushnell’s appointment, Preston said, “In her years as associate dean and then as dean of the College, Rebecca consistently demonstrated wisdom, creativity and persistence in the pursuit of goals. She keeps her eye on the larger picture and has a full command of details. She also has tremendous stamina, which is essential in this position.”