EIU Media Relations

Richard England Named New Honors College Dean at EIU

Richard England claims that a “vibrant honors community” transformed him as “a scholar, teacher and leader.”

“Honors, done well, provides a learning environment that moves beyond disciplinary boundaries and gives the whole person – mind, body and soul – a profound opportunity for growth,” he said.  “This is true for its students, and for those lucky enough to teach them.”

England will aim for such an environment at Eastern Illinois University as he assumes the position of dean of the institution’s Honors College, effective July 1.

“Eastern has a rich, 30-plus year tradition of vibrant honors programming, and I look forward to the contributions which Dr. England will make to our esteemed Honors College," said Blair Lord, provost and vice president for academic affairs.

England currently serves as an associate professor of philosophy at Salisbury University, Salisbury, Md.  Concurrently with his teaching, he served first as assistant director (2000-2006), then as director (2006-2011), of the Bellavance Honors Program at Salisbury.

He lists among his achievements as director an increase in the number of honors students (145 to 288 active students) and honors program graduates, the creation and operation of two honors living-learning communities, the promotion of honors study abroad, and the introduction of Salisbury’s first international honors seminars.

As dean of EIU’s Honors College, England will serve as the executive officer for the internal and external affairs of the college.  He will have overall leadership responsibility for undergraduate honors student recruitment, retention and support, as well as honors curricula, and their coordination with the academic deans and department chairpersons.

England replaces John Stimac, professor of geology/geography, who has served as dean of the Honors College since July 2010.