Richard Veit, Ph.D., Professor of Anthropology, has been named Interim Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, succeeding Kenneth Womack, Ph.D., effective July 1, 2020.
Viet previously served as an Associate Dean with a focus on faculty affairs in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. When Dean Kenneth Womack stepped down, Veit decided to apply for the position.
“I saw this as a great opportunity to serve Monmouth University and a school that I love,” Veit said. “I was thrilled to be selected for the position.”
Veit was the founding director of the University’s Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, and the University’s master’s program in anthropology.
Chair of the Department of History and Anthropology since 2014, Veit is a recipient of Monmouth’s Distinguished Teaching Award and the Donald Warncke Award for his service.
Robin Sakina Mama, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Social Work, believes Veit “brings many wonderful qualities” to his new position. “Having spent the last year or so as the Associate Dean has definitely given him some idea of what the Dean’s office needs to accomplish,” Mama said.
“He has also held several other administrative roles at Monmouth, which have also prepared him for his new position. Dr. Veit is approachable, kind, thoughtful and supportive – all qualities that a Dean must possess.”
Veit is working with faculty colleagues Hettie Williams, Walter Greason, Julius Adekunle, Anwar Uhuru, and Zaneta Rago-Craft to help reboot the Wayne D. McMurray School of Humanities and Social Sciences Africana Studies program.
Julius O. Adekunle, Ph.D., who teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on globalization, politics, religions, and cultures of Africa, considers Veit to be “a brilliant scholar, a great teacher, a hardworking professor, a successful archaeologist, a wonderful colleague, and an amazing leader.”
“He works well with both students and faculty,” Adekunle said. “He is an administrator who has the interest of those he leads. His being the Interim Dean is an opportunity and a challenge to continue doing his best for Monmouth University.”
Veit also mentioned excitement over restarting the Institute for Global Understanding and witnessing its growth. Strengthening the Universities academic programs and helping students and faculty “do their best work, even during this terrible pandemic,” Veit said. “I see the School of Humanities and Social Sciences playing a key role at Monmouth University. I look forward to being an advocate for all of our programs.”
PHOTO COURTESY of Monmouth University
