AUSTIN, Texas—Dr. Randy L. Diehl, a professor of psychology at The University of Texas at Austin, has been named dean of the university’s College of Liberal Arts effective June 1.
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Dr. Randy L. Diehl
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Photo: Marsha Miller
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Dr. Steven Leslie, provost at the university, said Diehl will be appointed dean designate for the period April 23 through May 31 to allow him time to transition to the new position. On June 1, Diehl also will become the David Bruton Jr. Regents Chair in Liberal Arts, a position designated for the dean.
Diehl succeeds Dr. Richard Lariviere, who resigned as dean last June to become provost and executive vice chancellor of the University of Kansas. Dr. Judith Langlois, the Charles and Sarah Seay Regents’ Professor of Developmental Psychology, has served as interim dean since Lariviere’s departure.
“I’m delighted that Randy Diehl has accepted the position as dean of the College of Liberal Arts,” said Leslie. “Randy has the personal and professional capabilities, the energy and commitment to excellence, and leadership skills to be a superb dean. I look forward to working with Randy to enhance and further the already excellent standing of the College of Liberal Arts.”
Diehl, who received his bachelor of science degree in psychology from the University of Illinois and a doctorate in psychology from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, is a professor in the area of cognition and perception and is a member of the Center for Perceptual Systems. His research focuses on the perception and production of speech sounds and on auditory category learning. He has been on the faculty of the Department of Psychology at The University of Texas at Austin since 1975 and was chair of the department from 1995 to 1999. He is a graduate adviser for the department.
“President William Powers and Provost Steve Leslie have stressed that The University of Texas at Austin cannot be great unless the College of Liberal Arts is great,” said Diehl. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with them—and with faculty, department chairs, center directors, students and staff—to achieve that goal.”
Four candidates for the position of dean of the College of Liberal Arts at The University of Texas at Austin were selected as finalists and met with faculty, students and staff members of the college in open forums earlier this year. The candidates also met with university administrators and deans. Thomas Staley, director of the Harry Ransom Center and the Harry Huntt Ransom Chair in Liberal Arts, was chairman of an 18-member search committee of deans, faculty, staff, students and alumni that held meetings to provide members of the university community an opportunity to listen to and engage with the candidates.
For more information contact: Robert D. Meckel, Office of Public Affairs, 512-475-7847.
