Abilene Christian University recently selected Dr. Jeanine Varner, an administrator from Oklahoma Christian University, to serve as the new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Varner will replace Dr. Colleen Durrington, current dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, beginning July 1.Varner brings 34 years of experience in higher education to the position. She has been the vice president for academic affairs at Oklahoma Christian University for the past 11 years.
"Dr Varner's experience as an academic administrator as well as a scholar and professor, have prepared her well for leading the largest college at ACU," said Dr. Dwayne D. VanRheenen, provost of ACU. "As a professor of English, her area of focus has been the writings of Henry James and Gustave Flaubert. Dr. Varner also has extensive experience as a consultant and evaluator for the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools and has been a leader in various institutes and commissions of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities."
Varner earned her bachelor's degree in English from Oklahoma Christian University in 1973. She earned her master's degree in English in 1975 and her Ph.D. in English in 1981, both from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tenn.
Before serving as vice president for academic affairs at Oklahoma Christian University, Varner also served in the roles of chair of the Department of Language and Literature and dean of the College of Liberal Arts at the university.
In addition to her academic experience at Oklahoma Christian University, Varner has been an adjunct faculty member at Texas Lutheran College in Seguin, Texas, a lecturer at the University of Texas in Austin and an assistant professor at Michigan Christian College in Rochester, Mich.
In March, an eight-member search committee narrowed the field of applicants down to five finalists, which included candidates from both inside and outside ACU. The finalists met with several administrators, department chairs, faculty and staff before the final decision was made.
"We look forward to Dr. Varner and her husband, Dr. Paul Varner - also a professor of English - joining us in July," said VanRheenen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you are a member of the media who would like more information about this release, please contact ACU's Public Relations Office .
