Dr. Patrice Rankine, Dean
Professor of Classics

Phone: (804) 289-8416
Email: prankine@richmond.edu 

As Dean, Patrice serves as the head academic officer for the largest school at the University of Richmond, and represents Arts & Sciences to the University and the broader community. His role includes faculty hiring, reviews, and development; leading academic council; strategic planning and budgeting; and setting a strategic direction for A&S. He is also a Professor of Classics and an active teacher and scholar. Read his full bio.

Kästle Aschliman, Content Coordinator

Phone: (804) 289-8926
Email: kaschlim@richmond.edu

Kästle works in collaboration with the Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences, University communication, and A&S faculty, staff, and students to produce and update content for the School's web sites, newsletters, print publications, and other communications channels. 

Dr. Carthene Bazemore-Walker, Assistant Dean for Diversity, Inclusivity, and Thriving

Phone: (804) 662-3082
Office: 104 Richmond Hall
Email: cbazemor@richmond.edu

Carthene builds capacity for the marshalling, training, and assessment of equity and inclusion efforts in the School of Arts & Sciences. She will coordinate efforts around inclusive pedagogy and classroom climate; coordinate recruiting efforts to ensure diverse candidate pools; and work with departments and offices around campus to strengthen diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Dr. Kathrin Bower, Associate Dean
Professor of German Studies

Phone: (804) 289-2430
Email: kbower@richmond.edu

Kathrin serves as point of contact for academic departments and programs in Division I, Arts, Languages, and Cultures. Her additional responsibilities include assisting with merit reviews; coordinating new and revised course proposals; coordinating teaching assignment projections and term and adjunct hires; and overseeing the Tucker-Boatwright Festival. She is also a Professor of German, who is frequently called upon for her expertise on German film and cultural studies. Read her full bio.

Dr. Kelling J. Donald, Associate Dean
Professor of Chemistry

Phone: (804) 289-8418
Email:kdonald@richmond.edu

Kelling serves as the point of contact for academic departments and programs in Division III, the Natural and Applied Sciences. His additional responsibilities include coordinating the merit review process; overseeing the Undergraduate Research Committee; planning for equipment replacement and physical space renovations; managing the Kresge process and the Arts Initiatives. He is also a Professor of Chemistry. Read his full bio.

Cynthia Johnson, Administrative Coordinator

Phone: (804) 289-8417
Email: cjohnso7@richmond.edu

Cynthia provides administrative support to the Associate Deans including scheduling and calendar management. She manages several administrative processes including expense reports, furniture requests, grade changes, and project-based budgeting. She also plans School events and serves as liaison to the Catering and Events Office. 

Sarah Orr, Budget & Operations Manager

Phone: (804) 662-3008
Email: sorr@richmond.edu

Sarah manages and provides accounting, financial, and administrative guidance and direction for the departments and interdisciplinary programs across the School of Arts & Sciences.

Dr. Dan Palazzolo, Associate Dean
Professor of Political Science

Phone: (804) 287-6630
Email: dpalazzo@richmond.edu

Dan serves as the point of contact for academic departments and programs in Division II, the Humanities and Social Sciences.  His additional responsibilities include assisting with merit reviews; overseeing academic program review; and serving as liaison to interdisciplinary programs. He is also a professor of political science, whose current research looks at coalition building in Congress in an era of partisan polarization. Read his full bio.

Carolyn Smart, Assistant to the Dean

Phone: (804) 289-8416
Email: charris6@richmond.edu

Carolyn provides administrative support to the Dean. She manages the Dean’s calendar and correspondence; provides administrative support for faculty meetings and academic council; plans School events; and supports faculty searches and tenure and promotion cases.

Robert Plymale, Grants and Research Specialist

Phone: (804) 289-8367
Email: rplymale@richmond.edu

Robert manages all aspects of student and faculty research funding for Arts & Sciences. He also serves as liaison to the central Grants Office and plays an active role on the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).

Surabhi Vittal, Director of Financial Planning & Operations

Phone: (804) 287-6587
Email: svittal@richmond.edu

Surabhi oversees the operational aspects of the School. Her responsibilities include strategic planning, finance and budget, including short term and long range financial planning and projections.