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Greetings UTC faculty and staff,
I am pleased to share that Dr. Shawn Bingham has been named the next dean of the Honors College, effective July 1, 2026.
Dr. Bingham currently serves as director of the University Honors Program and Mykles Endowed Chair of Honors at Colorado State University, where he leads a program of more than 1,800 students and works across colleges to expand high-impact learning opportunities. He brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education to UTC, including leadership roles in honors education, interdisciplinary programming and undergraduate research.
Throughout the search process, what stood out to me was Dr. Bingham’s thoughtful approach to honors and the student experience. He understands how to build connections across the University and create opportunities that help students engage more deeply in their academic work and in the world around them. His experience aligns well with the Honors College’s direction and the University’s broader priorities.
We had a strong, competitive applicant pool during this national search, reflecting both the strength of the Honors College and the continued momentum of the University. I am grateful to Gary W. Rollins College of Business Dean Robert Dooley and the members of the search committee for their outstanding work in leading this effort. I also want to thank the faculty, staff and students who participated in the process and took the time to meet with the candidates.
I would also like to recognize Dr. Linda Frost for her leadership of the Honors College since 2013. Her contributions have helped shape the College into what it is today, and we are grateful for her service. I am pleased that she will continue her work at UTC as a member of the Department of English.
Please join me in congratulating Dr. Shawn Bingham and welcoming him to the UTC community.
Thank you,
Jerold L. Hale
Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
