Macricostas School of Arts & Sciences

Macricostas School of Arts & Sciences

Letter from the Dean of Macricostas School of Arts and Sciences

What an exciting time to join Western Connecticut State University as the next dean of the Macricostas School of Arts and Sciences!

The Macricostas School has a terrific history of achievement. With thirteen departments, 21 undergraduate majors and five graduate majors, it helps students succeed not just as scholars but as productive employees and employers in a range of fields, leaders in government and the community, and as engaged citizens with a global worldview.

I plan to work with students, faculty and community partners – including supporters like Deno and Marie Macricostas and their family – to create a college experience that is both meaningful and practical. We will have fun, too!

I envision learning and working in an environment where we embrace mistakes for what they can teach us, where our excitement spurs growth, and where our goal is sharing knowledge. As I prepared to interview for this dean position, I learned that WCSU students are accomplished, diverse and willing to work hard. I celebrate those qualities and I can’t wait to work alongside you.

Since arriving at WestConn in July, I am also impressed by the Macricostas School faculty. They involve students in their world-class research and innovative courses. I support their passion for student learning and professional growth – from bringing in renowned speakers and leading study abroad trips to providing real-world professional experiences in the field and in the studio.

To introduce myself, I earned my Ph.D. in English in 2008 from the University of Maryland at College Park and an M.A. in English and a B.S. in Communication and English at James Madison University. My research and teaching have focused on African and post-colonial literatures, women’s and gender studies, critical theory, LGBTQ literature, and creative writing.

Every step in my career has prepared me for the appointment at WCSU. I served since June 2017 as university fellow for academic excellence at Shenandoah. As a member of the senior academic leadership team, I assisted the vice president for academic affairs in many areas including accreditation, strategic planning, and faculty and curriculum development. I also administered the honor code and created and led a series of diversity initiatives.

I joined the Shenandoah University faculty in 2010 and served from 2014 to 2017 as English Department chair. Before that, I developed and coordinated Core Quest, an initiative that centralized academic advising and increased retention for students who had not declared majors. I also coordinated a college-wide assessment of oral and written communications needs and instruction for Arts and Sciences; led program reviews and revisions as part of a general education overhaul; and chaired the Faculty Affairs Committee of the Faculty Senate.

My husband, two sons and two dogs have traveled with me to our new home in this community. I hope that you will drop by my office in Warner Hall Room 300 to say hello. I will also be out-and-about on campus to introduce myself and learn more about all the good things happening at Western Connecticut State University.

See you soon!

Michelle Brown
Dean, Macricostas School of Arts and Sciences

Warner Hall, Suite 300
203-837-9400
brownml@wcsu.edu