Vanderbilt University has appointed Tim McNamara as the dean of its College of Arts and Science. McNamara, who has been serving as interim dean for the college since July 2023, will start his two-year term on July 1.
McNamara is a 41-year veteran staff member at Vanderbilt and holds the Gertrude Conaway Vanderbilt Chair in Social and Natural Sciences. He began his academic career at Vanderbilt in 1983 as an instructor just before completing his Ph.D. degree. Over the years, he has progressed from assistant professor to associate professor and eventually to professor. McNamara also served as the chair of the VU Department of Psychology from 1996 to 2004 and again from 2022 to 2023. In 2004, he was appointed associate provost for faculty and later became vice provost, taking on additional responsibilities for global engagement and research.
He played a significant role in the reorganization of Vanderbilt University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center. McNamara completed his undergraduate education at the University of Kansas and earned his doctorate in psychology from Yale University.
Vanderbilt Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Cybele Raver, expressed confidence in McNamara, calling him the ideal choice to lead the College of Arts and Science. She emphasized his strategic insights, collaboration skills, and dedication, stating that he possesses the right leadership qualities to guide the school towards a bright future during a period of growth and progress for both Vanderbilt University and the college.