Dean of Faculty Appointment

Dear all,

It is with great pleasure that I announce the appointment of the next Dean of Faculty, Professor William Hoynes. His five-year term will begin August 1. Professor Hoynes joined the faculty in the Department of Sociology at Vassar in 1992 with expertise in Media and Society, Sociology of Culture, Social Movements, and Political Sociology.

During his time at Vassar, Professor Hoynes has served in multiple roles that have prepared him to be the Dean of Faculty. He has served as Chair of the Sociology Department and Director of the American Studies and Media Studies Programs. He was also a key member of the Rebalancing the Curriculum Ad Hoc Committee, which guided the development and implementation of the Intensives. He has also been the Co-Director of the Media Studies Development Project and Director, Media Studies Summer Institute. Professor Hoynes has served on and chaired the Faculty Appointment and Salary Committee (FASC) and the Faculty Compensation Committee (FCC). He has been a member of the Priorities and Planning Committee and the Faculty Policy and Conference Committee (FPCC). Professor Hoynes is known as an advocate for faculty, and during his interview process, the community commented on his ability to listen and empathize, his creative approach to problems, and his vision.

Professor Hoynes is also a prolific scholar, having published seven books or monographs and dozens of papers and essays. He has also won prestigious awards for his books including the Robert Picard Book Award for The Business of Media: Corporate Media and the Public Interest, and the Goldsmith Book Prize for Public Television for Sale: Media, the Market, and the Public Sphere.

As a senior officer of the College, Dean Hoynes will oversee all academic departments, the Office of International Programs, the Registrar, and the Grants Office. He will also serve on multiple committees including the Priorities and Planning Committee and will chair the Committee on Curricular Policy (CCP).

I want to thank the search committee who worked for several months engaging faculty, students, administrators, and staff to conduct a national search ending in this success. We are so fortunate to have Professor Hoynes to this important role. Please join me in congratulating him and welcoming Dean Hoynes!

Elizabeth H. Bradley, President
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
@EHBVassar