Administrative Staff
Our staff in the Arts & Sciences Dean’s Office is ready to assist you. We are a kind and caring group that values the meaningful work we do as we learn and grow together, striving to create balance in a thriving and inclusive community. You can contact us any time at as@richmond.edu and your inquiry will be routed to the appropriate staff member who will respond.
Dr. Dan Palazzolo, Interim Dean
Professor of Political Science
Phone: (804) 289-8416
Email: dpalazzo@richmond.edu
As Interim Dean, Dan 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 Political Science and an active teacher and scholar. Read his full bio.
Dr. Kathrin Bower, Associate Dean, Division I
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 supervising teaching assignment projections and overseeing contingent faculty hires; coordinating new and revised course proposals and curricular changes; serving as liaison for chairs and interdisciplinary program coordinators on enrollment management; and assisting with the merit review process. She is also a Professor of German and Coordinator of German Studies.Read her full bio.
Dr. Manuella Meyer, Associate Dean, Division II
Associate Professor of History
Global Studies Concentration Advisor: Politics and Governance
Phone: (804) 287-6374
Email: mmeyer@richmond.edu
Manuella serves as the point of contact for academic departments and programs in Division II, the Humanities and Social Sciences. Manuella's additional responsibilities include assisting with merit reviews; overseeing academic program review; and serving as liaison to interdisciplinary programs. Read her full bio.
Dr. Kelling J. Donald, Associate Dean, Division III
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. He is also a Professor of Chemistry. Read his full bio.
Dr. Andrea Simpson, Associate Dean for Thriving, Inclusivity, Diversity, and Equity
Phone: (804) 289-8739
Email: asimpson@richmond.edu
Andrea 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. Read her full bio.
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.
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.
Jennifer Lo Prete, Communications Manager
Phone: (804) 289-8926
Email: jloprete@richmond.edu
Jennifer 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.
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).
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.
