UNT Appoints Albert Bimper as Executive Dean of College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

The University of North Texas (UNT) has announced the appointment of Albert Bimper as the new executive dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (CLASS). As UNT’s largest college, CLASS has over 8,000 students and encompasses 22 academic departments and programs. Bimper is set to begin his new role on July 1, 2023, and will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and overseeing the college’s academic departments and programs.

Bimper comes to UNT from Colorado State University, where he held various administrative and academic positions, including interim chief of staff in the Office of the President, associate dean and executive director in the College of Liberal Arts, and interim director of the School of Education. He also served as a professor in the Department of Ethnic Studies. Bimper’s experience in academic affairs, student affairs, intercollegiate athletics, and diversity, equity, and inclusion will make him a valuable addition to UNT.

In a statement, UNT Provost Michael McPherson praised Bimper, saying, “Dr. Bimper is an experienced administrator and dedicated scholar-educator — a combination that will make him a tremendous asset to our College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and to our university. He has a deep knowledge of the academy and a collaborative approach that will lend themselves well to the college’s diverse array of programs.”

Bimper himself expressed excitement about the opportunity to join UNT, calling it “one of the most comprehensive universities in the state.” He cited the quality of the faculty, students, and staff in CLASS, along with the university’s vision, as reasons for his pride in joining the Mean Green family. Bimper also highlighted UNT’s position as a Tier One public research university with an interdisciplinary, 21st-century liberal arts and social sciences education at its core, which he believes uniquely positions it to address the challenges and possibilities of our rapidly changing world.

Bimper will succeed James Meernik, Regents Professor of political science at UNT, who has served as interim executive dean for CLASS since July 2022. With Bimper’s appointment, UNT is set to continue its mission of providing one of the best educations in the North Texas region.

Source: UNT