Press Releases
Saint Xavier University Names New Dean of School of Arts and Sciences
CHICAGO (June 18, 2003) –Dominick Hart, an administrator and teacher with more than thirty years of higher education experience, was named Saint Xavier University’s new dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. Christopher Chalokwu, vice president for academic affairs, announced that Hart will assume the role on July 1.
“His experience in teaching and administration, as well as his commitment to institutional advancement and educational progress, complement the university’s tradition of scholarship, leadership and service,” Chalokwu said.
Hart served as dean of the college of arts and sciences at Eastern Kentucky University from 2001 – 2003 and interim dean from 1999 – 2001. Prior to that position, he was the chair, as well as a professor, of the department of English. Specializing in English literature, Hart has instructed courses on Shakespeare and Renaissance literature as well as early English and modern drama.
"I am both honored and delighted to be invited to join Saint Xavier and am very much impressed by the vitality of the university and by the commitment of all I have met -- faculty, staff and students -- to the good work they do and to the university and community of which they are a part,” Hart said. “My wife, Eileen, and I look forward to becoming part of this community and to participating in its good work."
Hart received his bachelor’s degree from Saint Peter’s College and doctorate in English Literature from the University of South Carolina. He is a member of many academic organizations including the American Conference of Academic Deans, the South Atlantic Modern Language Association, and the National Council of Teachers of English. And, he is an honorary member of Phi Kappa Phi and the Golden Key National Honor Society.
Hart succeeds interim dean Dale Fast, associate professor of biology, who has held that position since former Dean Larry Frank was appointed provost of Northeastern Illinois University last fall. Fast will remain on faculty upon Hart’s arrival.
Founded in 1846, Saint Xavier University is a private, coeducational institution serving more than 5,200 men and women with high quality academic programs. It offers 36 undergraduate majors and 32 graduate program options in four schools: School of Arts and Sciences, School of Education, Graham School of Management, and School of Nursing. Located in a residential neighborhood in Chicago, the University offers personalized education that emphasizes challenging undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs of study. Crain’s Chicago Business (July 1, 2002) recognized Saint Xavier University for achieving the highest percentage of enrollment growth among Chicago-area universities and colleges during the previous year, increasing 6.3 percent. And, U.S. News & World Report named Saint Xavier in its 2002 “Best Colleges” issue as a best value and for its diversity as a master’s degree-granting institution in the Midwest region.