After conducting an extensive nationwide search, Dixie State University has selected Dr. Stephen Lee as the new dean of the university’s College of Humanities & Social Sciences. 

Lee will begin his responsibility to oversee the operation of the College of Humanities & Social Sciences on July 16. He is coming to St. George from Santa Clara University in California, where he has served as the associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

“Dr. Lee has extensive experience in higher education and will bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to Dixie State University,” Dr. Michael Lacourse, Dixie State provost and vice president of academic affairs, said. “He’s a great advocate for the humanities and social sciences and I am excited for him to implement his vision for making these fields a more visible part of our campus and community.”

At Dixie State, Lee will lead faculty in helping students develop a broader perspective and deeper understanding of their community and the world around them. The College of Humanities & Social Sciences offers academic programs with human-centered focuses, teaching students applicable skills and an understanding of historical and contemporary societies. Graduates are equipped to ethically engage in local, national and global community efforts that strengthen humanity.

“I am so pleased to be joining DSU as the Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences,” Lee said. “My research about DSU’s mission along with my interactions with many of the faculty, staff and students tell me that I am joining an exceptional academic community.”

As an associate dean at Santa Clara University, Lee managed the College of Arts and Sciences’ program review and assessment efforts for 23 departments, developed and managed the college’s virtual reality and augmented reality initiative, and was part of the administrative team that created the college’s Center for the Arts and Humanities. He also managed the college’s Individual Studies major and developed a partnership with a major arts organization based in Silicon Valley.

Prior to this, Lee served in multiple positions at Santa Clara University over 30 years. Starting as acting assistant professor, Lee later became a tenured associate professor and chair of the Department of Communication. He directed the department’s digital filmmaking program for over a decade. Lee also oversaw the operations of Santa Clara’s graduate programs in education and counseling psychology, where he developed new degree programs and worked closely with California’s teacher credentialing agency.

Lee’s scholarly work ranges from peer-reviewed research to filmmaking. He has published several scholarly works dealing with the film and music industries. He also has produced, directed and edited several film documentaries and educational programs.

Lee earned both his doctoral and master’s degrees in communication from the University of Texas, Austin, as well as a bachelor’s in economics from the University of San Francisco.

To learn more about Dixie State University’s College of Humanities & Social Sciences, visit academics.utahtech.edu/humanities-social-sciences.