Judith H. Langlois, a leading researcher in children’s social development who recently served as interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts, has been appointed vice provost.
Langlois, the Charles and Sarah Seay Regents’ Professor of Developmental Psychology, began her new responsibilities Sept. 1.
“Judy Langlois is regarded as one of our university’s most visionary leaders and I am delighted that she will be joining the provost’s office,” said Executive Vice President and Provost Steven W. Leslie. “Judy’s advice and counsel will be of vital importance to us as we take steps to move our distinguished university forward to a higher level.”
Leslie said Langlois’ responsibilities in her new role include academic governance issues, including new dean searches and six-year dean reviews. She will lead academic program administration, including the Academy of Distinguished Teachers, student scholarships and faculty awards. She also will be responsible for academic personnel matters, including equity, gender and faculty policies and management of the faculty grievance process.
“The University of Texas at Austin is a wonderful and exciting institution on the move,” said Langlois. “I am honored and privileged to assist in any way I can.”
Langlois is a leading researcher in children’s social development, with a focus on the origins of social stereotypes. She has received national attention for her groundbreaking research showing that even infants have a sense of what’s attractive.
Langlois, who received her doctor’s degree from Louisiana State University, joined the faculty at the university in 1973 and through the years has served in several key leadership roles on campus. She is a past associate dean of liberal arts and was interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts during the past academic year. She also served as dean ad interim for the college during the 1998 academic year.
In recognition of her contributions to the university, Langlois has been presented one of its highest awards. In 2005-06 she was one of the two recipients of the Civitatis Award, which is presented to faculty members who have shown exemplary campus citizenship throughout a career of service at the university.
