A former journalist turned playwright turned professor is now the Dean of the UTC College of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Jeffery Elwell joins the College from Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) where he served as Special Assistant to the Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives.
Dr. Jeffery Elwell
An experienced playwright and director, he received his doctorate in speech communication and theatre from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. Elwell served in multiple roles at AUM including Chief Academic and Student Affairs Officer, Dean of Graduate Studies, and Professor of Dramatic Arts.
“Dr. Elwell brings extensive leadership experience to our campus. I’m looking forward to having him join us and lead our already strong College of Arts and Sciences,” Dr. Mary Tanner, Interim Provost, said.
As part of his duties at AUM, Elwell created a new freshmen retention program, a new online course development award program, and nearly a dozen new faculty positions. Elwell hopes to continue his record of success at UTC.
“I want to work with faculty and department heads in charting a path to the future. I’m meeting with all departments to see what issues are bubbling up and where we can go from here,” he said.
Elwell is also accomplished in the world of theatre. He has written, directed, and produced more than fifty plays. His work has been produced in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
“Though I’ll be busy in my new role as Dean, I still hope to do more in theatre. It’s what I love,” he said.
