Mershon affiliate Peter Hahn, professor and chair of the Department of History, has been named divisional dean of the Arts and Humanities effective July 1, according to an announcement from David Manderscheid, executive dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

Hahn has chaired the History Department since 2006.  Under his leadership, several important initiatives and programs have been strengthened or established that benefit students, undergraduate and graduate; increase outreach to alumni, friends and the public; and attract, retain and support top scholars.

Among them:

• Creating unique study-abroad opportunities for undergraduates; such as the Undergraduate WWII History Study Tour Program, and the annual fundraising Alumni and Friends Tour that helps support program students
• Developing innovative career trajectories for graduate students; such as negotiating a multi-year contract placing doctoral candidates in 12-month paid internships in the Office of the Secretary of Defense in Washington, D.C.
• Offering online resources and free, public lectures for educators and the public
• Supporting faculty research, attracting two new endowed chairs

"Peter’s proven ability to bring people together to find creative solutions to problems and ways to enhance and fund scholarship and education have long been an asset to History, and I am confident will be a great asset to the College of Arts and Sciences," Manderscheid said.