Fall 2025 Leadership Appointments

Dean Stephanie Shonekan announces new leadership appointments.

Dean Stephanie Shonekan is pleased to announce the following new leadership appointments within the College of Arts and Humanities (ARHU).

Christina Hanhardt is serving as chair of the Department of American Studies, effective July 1, 2025.

Professor Hanhardt is an experienced academic leader with a compelling vision for excellence, creativity and equity in American studies and across the arts and humanities. Hanhardt came to Maryland in 2007 having completed a Ph.D. in American studies from New York University. Hanhardt has served several terms as the director of graduate studies and has served as a fellow in the Breaking the M.O.L.D. program and in the Elevate Program for Course Transformation. She brings a compelling scholarly record of achievement, considerable academic leadership and a clear vision for the future of the Department of American Studies.

Jared Rawlings is serving as director of the School of Music, effective July 1, 2025.

Professor Rawlings comes to Maryland from the University of Missouri, where he served as director of the School of Music. From 2016 to 2023, Rawlings taught undergraduate and graduate music education coursework at the University of Utah where he also served in leadership positions including associate director of the School of Music, director of undergraduate studies and music education area head. He was appointed associate dean for faculty & academic affairs in Utah’s College of Fine Arts in 2022. Prior to his appointment at the University of Utah, Rawlings served as assistant professor and director of music education at Stetson University. He brings an exemplary scholarly record, extensive programmatic and artistic leadership, and a well-articulated vision for the School of Music.

Justin Strom is serving as chair of the Department of Art, effective July 1, 2025.

Professor Strom’s art explores newly developed print technologies to produce photographic works that push the boundaries of print media. Engaging with issues of microbiology, cloning and genetic sequencing, Strom uses a hybrid of photography, digital printmaking and 3D composite imagery to build luminous works that combine elements of the real with those of the imagination. Strom is an academic leader with a developed vision for boundless creativity and artistic excellence in the Department of Art and across the arts and humanities. He came to Maryland in 2006, having completed an M.F.A. in studio art from the University of Wisconsin. 

Additional Leadership Announcements

Connie DiJohnson’s appointment has been renewed as lead director of the National Foreign Language Center.

Roger Eastman has been re-appointed as director of the Immersive Media Design program.

Fatemeh Keshavarz’s appointment has been extended as director of the Roshan Institute for Persian Studies.

Trevor Muñoz’s appointment has been extended as director of the Maryland Institute for Technology in the Humanities.

Please join Dean Shonekan in congratulating these new leaders in ARHU. She extends her thanks and appreciation to Brandon Morse, who served as chair of the Department of Art for five years; Michael Votta, who served as interim director of the School of Music for one year; and Psyche Williams-Forson, who served as chair of the Department of American Studies for ten years.