The new dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences says he would like to see HHS play a central role in every major academic initiative on campus.

Dr. Jerold Hale took over the position of dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences earlier this month. He comes to the College of Charleston from the University of Michigan-Dearborn where he was dean of the College of Arts, Science and Letters for the past three years.

Hale believes that at a time when the Liberal Arts and liberal education are ebbing in public support, training in the Liberal Arts is more important than ever.

“The humanities and social sciences promote creativity, global understanding, leadership development, involved citizenship, and transferable skills sets that will serve students well on any number of career paths, “says Hale.

Prior to his appointment at the University of Michigan/Dearborn, Hale spent 19 years as a member of the faculty in the Department of Speech Communications at the University of Georgia, including three three-year terms as chair of the Department of Speech Communication.

Before joining the University of Georgia in 1991, Hale served as associate professor, chief advisor and assistant to the chair of the Department of Communication at Miami University, visiting assistant professor at Michigan State University, and assistant professor at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Hale, who earned his master’s degree and Ph.D. in communication at Michigan State University, has published many articles, book chapters, papers and essays on a wide range of issues in communication and social influence and interpersonal communication.

“We are very excited about having Dr. Hale join our dean leadership team. We look forward to the leadership he will provide in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences,” says College of Charleston Provost George Hynd. “Dr. Hale has had outstanding experience as a department chair and now as dean. His experience in building and advocating for faculty, developing academic programs and fundraising will serve him and the institution well.”