Eureka College Appoints Provost

Dean of the college to begin june 1

Eureka College has appointed Dr. Philip Cavalier of Salisbury, N.C., as provost and dean of the college effective June 1.  Cavalier formerly was an associate professor of American literature and dean of general education at Catawba College, Salisbury.

“Dr. Cavalier comes to Eureka with a distinguished background in liberal arts education and working collaboratively with faculty on curriculum development and other academic projects,” said Eureka College President J. David Arnold.

At Catawba College, Cavalier was director of the First-Year Experience program to introduce students to the interconnectedness of liberal and professional education and increase their engagement with the social and intellectual life of the campus community. He helped design the college’s First-Year Seminar to help students make a smooth transition from high school to college. He also chaired the committee that planned the renovation and expansion of the college library, and he was coordinator of the summer school program. He was selected as teacher of the year in 2002, 2003 and this year.  

As a Fulbright Scholar in Ukraine during the 2005-2006 academic year, Cavalier taught American literature at two universities in Kyiv and delivered guest lectures throughout Ukraine. He also delivered lectures in Estonia and Egypt that were sponsored by the U.S. Embassies. He is a member of the Fulbright Peer Review Committee for Central Eurasia

The New York City native received a bachelor’s degree in economics from Swarthmore College, Swarthmore, Pa.; a master’s degree in English with honors from Northeastern University, Boston; and a doctorate in English from State University of New York, Buffalo.

 “To me, undergraduate education works best at small liberal arts colleges that challenge students academically and socially,” Cavalier said. “With its rich history and excellent faculty, I believe that Eureka College can be a top-tier nationally recognized liberal arts college. My main goal is to work with the president, faculty, staff and trustees to identify and develop areas of opportunity that will contribute to the success of Eureka College and to its core mission to cultivate excellence in learning, service and leadership.”
               
Cavalier takes the place of Irene Burgess, who held the position for 2 ½ years and who now is vice president for academic programs at the Appalachian College Association.

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Contact:

Michele Lehman

Media Relations Coordinator

mlehman@eureka.edu

(309) 467-6318