Nancy Wright will commence a term as dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences on July 1.

Provost Leo Groarke announced Tuesday that Nancy Wright will commence a term as dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences on July 1.

Dr. Wright had served as executive dean of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Queensland and previously was a professor and head of the School of Languages and Humanities at the University of Western Sydney. Her current research examines conventions of ancient and modern apocalyptic writings in American films about the Great Depression.

Dr. Groarke noted that Wright’s research has been interdisciplinary, crossing the boundaries of literature, history and law.

“Her books and articles include studies of the ideas of ownership and authority found in Renaissance law and literature and property rights in British settler societies during the 19th century,” he said.

Groarke also thanked acting dean Robert Orr for his “stalwart work” during the current year.