The Department of English welcomes James Campbell as department chair.
Campbell has been on the faculty of the English department since 1996 and previously served as the department’s director of graduate programs. In this role, he oversaw the MA tracks in Technical Communication and Literary, Cultural and Textual Studies, as well as the MFA in Creative Writing. He also served as interim chair of the department for the last year.
Jeff Moore, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, said of the appointment: “I’m pleased James has accepted this leadership position. His background and experience at UCF will be critical in further strengthening the English department. As a leader it is important to have knowledge of your discipline, but also understanding of the people and mechanics of the department…and James has both in his toolbox. James has already shown himself to be an effective administrator and persuasive advocate for his colleagues and I look forward to seeing the results of his leadership over the next five years.”
In his administrative philosophy statement, Campbell stated, “A department chair needs to function as an effective advocate for the faculty they represent. In order for this to happen, the chair needs to know the faculty and their interests, both collectively and individually, very well. To this end, the chair must foster an environment in which every faculty member understands that their voice is heard and valued, while also realizing that the needs of the department require a communal identity in which all can participate.”
In addition to serving as chair of the department, Campbell will continue to pursue his research interests in British and Irish literature, queer theory and science fiction.