Dean candidate emphasizes faculty advocacy, relationships at forum
Robert Pratt wants a challenge.
That is why Pratt, a history professor at the University of Georgia, is vying with two other candidates for the position of dean at the College of Humanities and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Tuesday afternoon, Pratt spoke to about 30 people in Bovee University Center’s Maroon Room about his skill sets and what he could offer as the next dean.
Pratt stepped down as the UGA history department chairman after working six years this past summer. He has been at UGA for the past 24 years, working as a faculty member as well.
One question from the audience involved relationships between faculty and administration and how a dean should handle them both.
“There is a balance,” Pratt said. “I see deans as being generals. They really are on the frontline and it is their mission to represent the university.”
When asked about the importance of summer programs, Pratt said they are vital to universities.
“We have several summer programs, programs for teaching, most of them revolve around study abroad programs,” Pratt said. “I think we should do more of it ... with the increased emphasis on globalization, we realize just how dependent we are on others and how they are on us.”
Pratt said his priority as dean is to be an advocate for the faculty.
“That is my No. 1 function,” he said.
He said building those relationships are important because the faculty members, program directors and individuals are the backbone of the school.
“I cannot be successful in this position unless I have the support of the people here ... you all need to know who I am and I need to know who you are,” he said. “I need to know from you what I can do to help you fulfill your mission and your vison.”
Pratt said when he was chair at UGA, he tried to broaden the context of different departments across the board — the goal being to create an open dialogue and eliminate duplicate courses.
One attendee asked him how important working toward and continuing Native American alliances will be.
“I am excited about that,” he said. “I see a strong Native American presence, that is something that fascinates me.”
Pratt talked about how there is not a large Native American population in Georgia, but there is a large Hispanic presence.
“When I first got to Georgia 24 years ago, you could count the number of Hispanics in Athens on one hand and have some fingers left over,” he said. “Today they are very much a part of Athens.”
English professor Susan Stan said the forum was a good place for communication.
“(It was a good place) for the faculty to ask questions,” she said.
