Professor Sarah Leggott appointed Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Responsible for the academic direction of the Faculty across research, teaching and learning, and civic engagement, Professor Leggott says she is excited to have the opportunity to lead FHSS, one of the world’s foremost faculties for the humanities, social sciences and creative arts.
“This is a large and diverse Faculty, staffed by world-class researchers, successful teachers and very effective professional staff,” she says.
“I am committed to retaining our very comprehensive subject offerings, while also working with colleagues to explore new opportunities and directions. I am looking forward to the launch of the Bachelor of Communication in 2020, which, with our current undergraduate Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees, will ensure the Faculty is well-positioned to continue to attract excellent students from around NZ and internationally. There are also opportunities for further cross-Faculty collaborations, and I look forward to working with colleagues from across Victoria on new initiatives,” says Professor Leggott.
Professor Leggott joined Victoria University in mid-1998 as the University’s first Lecturer in Spanish, leading the development of new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and teaching courses in Spanish language, History, Culture and Literature. Professor Leggott was Head of the School of Languages and Cultures from 2010 to 2013; from 2014 to 2018, she was Deputy Dean and Associate Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
As Professor of Spanish, her research expertise is in the field of Spanish literary and cultural studies, with a particular focus on the Spanish Civil War, Franco dictatorship and Spain’s transition to democracy. She has published widely on issues relating to historical memory in contemporary Spain and on literary works by 20th and 21st-century Spanish women writers.
The FHSS Dean role was separated from that of the Pro Vice-Chancellor of FHSS and the Faculty of Education in late 2018. Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Jennifer Windsor says she is excited to work with Sarah and Dean of Education, Professor Stephen Dobson, in a shared leadership model. Both Faculties have a commitment to advance our societies by better understanding the human condition and educating an informed and engaged next generation. “Sarah brings great energy, inclusivity and expertise to further foster scholarship and creativity in the humanities and social sciences in New Zealand."