The University of Iowa is replacing the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). Steve Goddard, who has served as dean since June 2019, will assume a faculty role consistent with his appointment as professor in the Department of Computer Science.

Interim Executive Vice President and Provost Kevin Kregel has named Sara Sanders interim dean of CLAS. Sanders is currently associate dean for strategic initiatives and director of diversity, equity, and inclusion within CLAS. Her appointment is effective July 30, 2020.

“Sara has successfully served in leadership positions within the college for almost two decades, earning the respect and trust of her colleagues,” says Kregel. “I’m confident that she will provide the leadership needed to continue the history of excellence in education, research, and scholarship within the college.”

Sanders, a professor in the School of Social Work, served as the undergraduate program director from 2011-2015 and as director of the School of Social Work from 2015-2019. She also was an administrative fellow in CLAS from 2018-2019.

Sanders earned her PhD in social work from the University of Maryland in 2002 and joined the UI faculty in January 2003. She was awarded the Distinguished Professor Award in the School of Social Work four times, and the President and Provost Award for Teaching Excellence in 2015. Sanders was named a Dean’s Scholar in 2011, a fellow of the Gerontological Society of America in 2013, and an Emerging Leader in Professional Practice by the Social Work Hospice and Palliative Care Network in 2013. 

“The University of Iowa is a special institution and the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is the heart of our university,” says Sanders. “We pride ourselves on our collaborative nature and that will help us overcome our current challenges.”

Sanders will receive an annual salary of $305,000 and will serve until a new dean is hired. Sanders’ appointment must be approved by the Board of Regents, State of Iowa.