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VU announces leadership transition in College of Humanities

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April 22, 2026

VINCENNES, Ind. - After nearly four decades at 日韩中文字幕福利片, College of Humanities Dean Joan Puckett is retiring, effective June 30. Professor of English and English Department Chair Matt Norman will lead as interim dean.

Joan Puckett with long brown hair and glasses wears a blue 日韩中文字幕福利片 button-down shirt, smiling against a mottled gray backdrop.Joan Puckett

Interim Provost Jaci Lederman said, "Dean Puckett is a pillar of our VU Community. She has championed education's power to change lives and advocated for the humanities. These studies build a solid foundation in critical thinking and communication. VU is thankful for Dean Puckett鈥檚 contributions and the seamless transition. We appreciate Professor Matt Norman鈥檚 willingness to serve as interim dean. His experience and dedication will keep the College of Humanities balanced during this change."

Puckett, who has been a beacon of the University Community since joining the faculty in 1989, leaves a legacy of academic excellence and tireless advocacy for the liberal arts. Having served under five different university presidents, she was named dean of the College of Humanities in December 2015 following a successful tenure as interim dean.

As a faculty member, Puckett taught across disciplines, guiding students through developmental reading and writing, first- and second-year composition, and linguistics, and advised General Studies majors. She served as Faculty Senate president, vice president, and secretary, representing the College of Humanities multiple terms. Her leadership also helped transform the Shircliff Humanities Center into a modern building with recent renovations that foster student comfort and academic needs.

Puckett said, "It has been an honor and a privilege to serve VU and its students for nearly 40 years. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside incredible colleagues, faculty, and staff. While I am retiring, I am confident that the life-changing power of an education grounded in the humanities will continue to thrive at VU under new leadership."

A smiling Matt Norman with a beard, wearing a gray plaid suit, blue shirt, and patterned tie, posed against a mottled gray studio background.Matt Norman

A member of the VU faculty since 2010, Norman brings vast institutional knowledge to his new role, having previously served as director of the Honors Program and president of the Faculty Senate. He holds a master鈥檚 degree in English Composition and Rhetoric from Salisbury University.

Norman said, "I鈥檓 honored to step into this role and support the College of Humanities during this transition. Dean Puckett has had such a positive impact on countless students鈥� lives and the university as a whole, and I鈥檓 so grateful for her leadership. I鈥檓 looking forward to working closely with our faculty to keep creating meaningful learning opportunities that will help our students grow and succeed, both at VU and beyond."

Details regarding a formal search for a permanent College of Humanities dean will be shared by the University at a later date.

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