Glenn Chambers has been recommended to serve as interim dean of Michigan State University’s Honors College, effective June 10. He will serve as interim dean designee prior to the MSU Board of Trustees meeting on June 28. Pending board approval, Chambers will succeed Christopher Long, who has served as dean of the Honors College since July 2021.

 

Chambers currently serves as interim dean of the Residential College in the Arts and Humanities, or RCAH, a position he has held since August 2023 and will retain. He is also associate dean in the Honors College, where he has worked to foster strong partnerships and relationships with undergraduate colleges across the university. As a member of the Honors College’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leadership Team, he has helped advance the college’s efforts in these areas in alignment with its strategic plan centered on access, retention, innovative learning, climate and research.

Over the years, Chambers has held administrative appointments in the College of Arts and Letters, or CAL, as director of the African American and African Studies program, and as associate dean in the Office of Undergraduate Education.

“With his leadership experiences in the Honors College, RCAH, CAL and Undergrad Ed; his work across a broad range of academic and administrative projects; and his demonstrated commitments to academic excellence and student success, Dr. Chambers will provide strong leadership, stability and continuity for the Honors College during this time of transition,” said MSU Interim Provost Thomas Jeitschko.

A professor in the Department of History, Chambers is a historian of the Modern Caribbean, specializing in the former British colonies after emancipation. He has authored two books on Caribbean immigration/migration along with a co-edited volume on the African diaspora, in addition to articles in academic journals. He earned his doctorate in Latin American and Caribbean history from Howard University.

“It will be both an honor and privilege to serve the Honors community as interim dean; I am humbled to be recommended for the position and look forward to working to maintain the strength and vitality of the college,” said Chambers. “I have served the Honors College as associate dean for the past three years and understand the special role the college plays on campus. I look forward to working closely with the Honors leadership team, staff, students and our many partners across the colleges to help ensure that the mission and vision of Honors continue to grow and nurture MSU and the broader community.”

An internal search for the next Honors College dean will begin in the fall.