Alfred University appoints Robert Stein Dean of College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

ALFRED, NY – Alfred University announces the appointment of Robert Stein as dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, effective July 1. Stein, an associate professor of political science, will take over for Professor of English Susan Morehouse, who has served as dean on an interim basis since last October.

“I am very honored to have been appointed Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences,” Stein commented. “The college has wonderful faculty. I’ve seen how hard they have worked in the face of this pandemic to provide our students the same education and opportunities that they always have, and that has been inspiring.”

Stein has been at Alfred University for 18 years. He was as assistant professor of political science from 2000-01 before serving in that role for three years at St. John Fisher College. Bob returned to Alfred in 2004, serving as assistant professor of political science from 2004-11. He has served as associate professor of political science since 2011 and as chair of the Division of Social Sciences since 2017.

He has a B.A. in political science from Stanford University and master’s and doctoral degrees in political science from the University of Michigan. His teaching accolades at Alfred University include: the Joseph Kruson Award for Excellence in Teaching (2016-17); the Ruth Berger Rubenstein Award for Excellence in Teaching (2008-09); and the Alfred University International Fellowship for Faculty Development (2006).

Stein has served as director of Alfred University’s Social Justice Studies program since 2017 and has served as co-coordinator of our Common Ground program since its inception in 2018. Common Ground is an extended orientation experience for first-year and transfer students, in which facilitators lead small group discussions and students hear the stories of their peers from different backgrounds. The program was initiated at the start of the 2018-19 academic year, with financial support from our Board of Trustees.

“Dr. Stein's core commitments to liberal arts and sciences and to social justice make him an ideal leader for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences,” commented Beth Ann Dobie, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “He will be a passionate leader for the college and a valuable partner to all of us on the leadership team.”

Stein said an education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences is important as society looks to overcome the unique challenges it faces today.

“Our society has to look at some old problems in new ways at the same time that we innovate approaches to new problems, so we badly need the kind of intellectual flexibility and creativity that a liberal arts and sciences education instills,” he said. “I’m excited about helping our students develop into lifelong learners who understand the importance of thinking clearly, communicating effectively, appreciating beauty, and solving complex problems—all of those traits that help students lead fulfilling lives and better our society.”