Pericles Lewis, the Douglas Tracy Smith Professor of Comparative Literature, professor of English, vice president for global strategy, and vice provost for academic initiatives, has been appointed the next dean of Yale College, Yale President Peter Salovey announced today. He will begin a five-year term July 1.

Lewis, an internationally recognized expert on the qualities and purposes of a liberal education and a devoted educator and mentor, brings to the role over two decades of leadership experience at Yale and other institutions.

“During this time of complex geopolitical shifts, Professor Lewis brings to his new role a distinct range and depth of expertise that will benefit students aspiring to contribute to the betterment of humanity and shape national and global events,” Salovey said in a message to the Yale community. “In partnership with other university leaders and faculty members, he will guide the curriculum, intellectual life, student affairs, and residential experience of the Yale College community.”

“Yale College is a remarkable institution dedicated to light and truth, and I am grateful to President Salovey for entrusting me with this important role,” said Lewis. “Yale’s world-leading research, our dedicated teachers, our distinctive residential college system, and what I think of as the civil society of Yale — the web of groups and traditions and activities that make up its unique culture — these are worth cherishing and preserving. I will work to ensure that Yale continues to offer the world’s best undergraduate education.”

Lewis, who joined the Yale faculty in 1998, has been deeply engaged in the academic life on campus ever since. As the vice president for global strategy and vice provost for academic initiatives, he works with faculty and staff to build on Yale’s position as an international leader in education and research.

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