Sue Lanser named head of Division of Humanities

Susan S. Lanser, professor of English, women’s and gender studies, and comparative literature, has been appointed head of the Division of Humanities.

Dean of Arts and Sciences Adam Jaffe made the appointment after accepting the recommendation of the Humanities School Council. The two-year appointment begins July 1.

“Sue will work with the entire humanities faculty to coordinate discussions regarding the humanities curriculum, work with the Communications and Development offices to raise the profile of the humanities at Brandeis, and advise the Dean of Arts and Sciences and other senior administrators on matters related to the humanities at Brandeis. I want to thank Sue for taking on this important position,” Jaffe said in an announcement.

Lanser has been at Brandeis for a decade.

“Through critical engagement with ideas, values, texts, and cultures both past and present, the humanities foster the deepest values of Brandeis education,” said Lanser. “We are fortunate to have a distinguished humanities faculty with a rich diversity of talents and specialties. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Mandel Quad and across campus to extend the scope and visibility of our contributions to the core mission of the university.”

Incoming Provost Steve A.N. Goldstein and incoming Dean of Arts and Sciences Susan J. Birren echoed Jaffe’s welcome and Lanser’s sentiments.

“Humanists connect us to the past and teach us how to embrace a complex world with empathy and insight. The humanities are essential to a liberal arts education and the innovative citizen-scholars who emerge to create and protect democracy,” said Goldstein.

“And yet, the humanities are under assault from a society that prizes rapidly quantifiable rewards. For all these reasons, we are remarkably fortunate that Professor Lanser, a distinguished scholar and passionate educator, has agreed to lead the division,” he added.

Birren said she is “delighted” at the appointment.

“Sue's energy and commitment to Brandeis and her understanding of the humanities within the Brandeis community make her an outstanding choice. I know that she will be a passionate and thoughtful advocate for the humanities and I am excited to have the opportunity to work with her,” said Birren.