January 16, 2024
Dear College of Arts & Sciences faculty and staff,
Dr. John Z. Kiss, who has served as Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) since 2016, has been named Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Florida Institute of Technology, effective May 1, 2024. Dr. Amy Adamson has been appointed Interim Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences.
In leading the largest and most diverse college at UNCG for the last eight years, Dr. Kiss has made many important contributions to the University. Among these noteworthy accomplishments, he has strengthened the CAS research profile through support and mentorship of faculty whose work increased external grant awards by 150%; and promoted a wide array of student success initiatives, resulting in significant improvements in student retention and graduation rates. He also championed equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives in hiring and leadership while launching a dean’s award for diversity and inclusiveness. As Dean, Dr. Kiss actively maintained his research on the gravitational and space biology of plants; was given the unique distinction of receiving the International Cooperation Medal from the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR); and was celebrated with the naming of asteroid Kiss 8267 in his honor. Please join me in thanking Dean Kiss for his committed service to and leadership of the College of Arts & Sciences at UNCG.
I’m pleased to announce that Dr. Amy Adamson has been appointed Interim Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, effective April 20, 2024. Serving as Associate Dean of the College since 2019, she has long championed the diversity of disciplines within the College, supported faculty research, and partnered with chairs/heads/program directors on student success and academic efficiencies. Dr. Adamson earned her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from the State University of New York at Geneseo and her Ph.D. in biology from Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Adamson’s research focuses on the interaction of viruses with human cells. Dr. Adamson shared, “I am delighted to accept the position of interim Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences, and I look forward to working with our amazing faculty, staff, and students to support and implement necessary changes and to continue our upward trajectory of excellence in teaching, research, and service. The College of Arts and Sciences hosts superb teachers, world-renowned researchers, exceptional staff, and hard-working, dedicated students. I very much look forward to this opportunity to support our College and UNCG communities and maintain and strengthen our tradition of excellence.” Given her impressive record of teaching, service, research, and leadership during her 23 years at UNCG, I have great confidence in her leadership. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Adamson on her new role.
A national search will commence in Fall of 2024 for a permanent dean of the College of Arts & Sciences.
Best,
Debbie Storrs
Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor
University of North Carolina Greensboro
201 Mossman Building
Greensboro, NC 27412
336.334.5494