University of Utah Provost Mitzi M. Montoya announced today that Wanda S. Pillow has accepted an offer to serve as the dean of both the College of Humanities and the School for Cultural and Social Transformation. Pillow, who has been serving as acting dean of the College of Humanities, will begin working in this dual role effective immediately.
“As acting dean since October 21, 2024, Dr. Pillow has done an excellent job of leading Humanities, supporting faculty and staff and focusing on student success,” Montoya said. “In the School for Cultural and Social Transformation, she has been an exceptional professor of gender studies and has served as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Chair of the Gender Studies Division. This unique combination of experience makes her the ideal choice to lead both Humanities and Transform.”
Pillow is a first-generation student and an award-winning teacher, mentor, and scholar. She earned her doctorate in Educational Policy and Gender Studies from Ohio State University and is tenured in the Division of Gender Studies at the U. She has a range of leadership experience and is committed to mentoring students and emerging scholars. This commitment was recognized in Spring 2021 when Pillow received a Distinguished Mentor Award from the U. Her research has been recognized with fellowships at the Huntington Library, the National Humanities Center and the Newberry Library. She has received grants from the Mellon Foundation focused on Intersectionality and Multivocal Humanities.
Montoya expressed her gratitude to the leadership, faculty and staff in Humanities and in Transform for their feedback as plans for this change took shape. She also thanked Elizabeth Kronk Warner, who served as acting dean of Transform while maintaining her duties as the dean of the S.J. Quinney College of Law.
“Dr. Pillow’s steadying influence as acting dean of Humanities has had a powerful impact on the college,” Montoya said. “I expect that to continue as she serves in her new role. Her leadership will strengthen both Humanities and Transform in the years to come.”
When she was appointed as acting dean, Pillow noted the academic connections between Transform and Humanities. They share many theoretical, disciplinary, methodological and pedagogical foundations; both embrace interdisciplinarity; and multiple faculty hold joint or shared appointments between the two colleges.
“Serving as acting dean of the College of Humanities has been a pleasure and provided me with the experience and drive to continue to lead effectively and strategically,” Pillow said. “I am committed to the success and growth of both the College of Humanities (CoH) and the School for Cultural & Social Transformation (Transform).
“CoH and Transform share similar approaches and commitments, both have outstanding faculty and staff, and both have meaningful and direct impact on student success, research and community engagement. CoH and Transform students are amazing and together share some of the highest rates of campus involvement and positive durable degree outcomes and career success. I am honored to navigate upcoming challenges and opportunities with CoH and Transform and will represent the interests and needs of each while strengthening existing connections.”