Eliason Chosen as Dean and VP for Academic Affairs

Apr 17, 2013

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Eliason Chosen as Dean of the College and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn., has named Dr. Eric Eliason dean of the college and vice president for Academic Affairs. He will begin his duties at Concordia on Aug. 1, 2013. He succeeds Dr. Mark Krejci, who after nine years of distinguished service as Concordia’s dean and provost will return to his work as a teaching scholar in psychology.

Eliason is currently professor of English at Gustavus Adolphus College, where he has been on the faculty since 1989.  He served as interim dean of the faculty from 2005 to 2007, and then as academic dean from 2007 to 2009. A specialist in 14th-century British literature, Eliason has twice been formally recognized for his excellence in teaching.

“I am delighted that Dr. Eliason will lead our academic program,” says Concordia President William Craft. “An established teaching scholar, a faculty leader, and an experienced dean, he brings a lived understanding of higher education in the Lutheran tradition and a demonstrated commitment to creative, collaborative work with faculty and staff colleagues.”

At Gustavus, Eliason led major projects to successful conclusions, including a new social science building. In 2011, he served as program director and instructor in Gustavus’ Semester in Sweden program.

“Dr. Eliason is a distinguished scholar-teacher and an eloquent advocate for liberal arts education,” says Dr. Linda Johnson, chair of the Concordia search committee. “He is particularly attentive to collegiality and innovation.”

“I am drawn to Concordia’s values of liberal learning and faith, and the dynamic intent to understand and develop those values in our own time and world,” says Eliason. “I am thrilled to be joining a talented and accomplished Concordia community that embodies these ideals with humanity and warmth.”

Eliason is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Augustana College (Ill.) with majors in English and mathematics and computer science.  He earned his master’s and doctorate degree in English language and literature from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville.

 
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