University of Maine’s Sobolik named dean of Wright State University’s College of Liberal Arts

Kristin D. Sobolik will assume her new post Jan. 7. She replaces Charles Taylor, who retired.

Kristin D. Sobolik, an associate dean at the University of Maine, has been named dean of Wright State University’s College of Liberal Arts.

Sobolik has served as associate dean for Research and External Affairs at the University of Maine’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences since September 2010. The college is the largest of five at the University of Maine, overseeing 21 schools, departments and units in the arts, humanities, social sciences, sciences and interdisciplinary studies.

Prior to serving as associate dean, Sobolik was chair of the Department of Anthropology and associate director of the university’s Climate Change Institute.

“Dr. Sobolik brings a wealth of leadership experience, a proven ability to collaborate, and a strong commitment to engaging students in global real-world issues and research opportunities,” said Wright State President David R. Hopkins. “I am confident she will be able to help our College of Liberal Arts meet the challenges of the 21st century.”

At the University of Maine, Sobolik helped develop, implement and obtain $300,000 in funding for a new advising center to focus on increasing student engagement and retention. She also implemented and helped develop a fellowship program to provide funding for student-engaged research and creative activities.

In addition, as chair of the Department of Anthropology, Sobolik led the faculty in realigning the curriculum and developing new programs, such as the Ph.D. in Anthropology and Environmental Policy, resulting in a 72 percent increase in majors.  She also increased internal support for research within the department, leading to a 24 percent increase in successful external grant funding.

“I am passionate about collaboration, diversity, community engagement and the relevancy of a global perspective that is imperative in today’s society,” Sobolik wrote in a letter to the Wright State search committee. “I strongly believe that engaging students in real-world learning and research experiences is the key to retention and future success.”

Sobolik obtained her B.S. in biology from the University of Iowa and her M.A. and Ph.D. in anthropology from Texas A&M University.

Sobolik will assume her new post Jan. 7. She replaces Charles Taylor, who retired.