Administrative Staff

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.

Sarah Orr, Budget & Operations Manager

Phone: (804) 287-1917
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).

Forthcoming, Academic Employment Coordinator

Phone: (804) 287-1826 
Email: 

Perform, coordinate and analyze personnel work within the School of Arts & Sciences, specializing in employment matters for all faculty positions.

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.

Liza Williams, Academic Administrative Assistant

Phone: (804) 289-8417
Email: lwillia9@richmond.edu

Liza provides administrative support to the Associate Deans including scheduling and calendar management. She manages several administrative processes and assists in planning School events. She also provides administrative support to departments and interdisciplinary programs as needed.