Shannon Blanton, Ph.D., has been named the inaugural dean of the UAB Honors College, an academic community of intellectually curious and engaged students and talented faculty.
“After an intensive search we are pleased to announce that Shannon Blanton will be the first dean of UAB’s Honors College,” said Provost Linda Lucas, Ph.D. “The Honors College offers exemplary students a challenging academic environment and close-knit community and demonstrates every day UAB’s commitment to knowledge that will change the world. We look forward to the fresh vision and future success that Dr. Blanton will bring to students and faculty here at UAB.”
Blanton comes to UAB from the University of Memphis, where she was professor of political science and vice provost for undergraduate programs. There she engaged in strategic planning, served on key standing committees, oversaw the honors program, international programs and services and advising centers plus coordinated and supervised myriad programs that support undergraduate education and research.
“UAB has a history of excellence in its honors programs and a vision for its Honors College as being among the best in the country,” Blanton said. “I am truly delighted to be joining UAB as the inaugural dean, and I look forward to working with faculty, staff and students to develop and enhance the Honors College.”
The UAB Honors College is home to more than 900 students from all undergraduate academic units and includes a mixture of challenging courses and academic enrichment, including undergraduate research, international study, internships and service-learning.