Austin, Texas, August 25, 2025
News Summary
David Sosa has been named the interim dean of the University of Texas College of Liberal Arts, starting June 1. Sosa, a prominent humanities professor and chair of the Philosophy Department, is set to maintain stability during this transitional phase following Ann Huff Stevens’ upcoming departure. With nearly 800 faculty members and over 11,000 students, the college is the largest at UT, offering a diverse range of majors and minors. Sosa’s leadership experience is crucial as the university searches for a permanent dean amid significant administrative changes.
Austin, Texas – David Sosa has been appointed as the interim dean of the University of Texas College of Liberal Arts, effective June 1. This announcement was made by interim Provost David Vanden Bout in a recent email to the campus community.
Sosa, a seasoned professor in the humanities, currently serves as the chair of the Philosophy Department and has held this position since 2006. Under his leadership, the Philosophy Department achieved a rank among the top 10 in the nation. He brings substantial experience to the role, particularly as he has overseen the Plan II honors program and contributed significantly to academia with numerous publications. Sosa also serves as co-editor of the Oxford Studies in Philosophy of Language and as editor-in-chief of the journal of Analytic Philosophy.
He takes over from Ann Huff Stevens, whose tenure as dean will officially conclude in August 2025. Stevens was not permitted to pursue a second term due to differences in vision for the institution, as articulated by former President Jay Hartzell. The College of Liberal Arts is the largest of UT’s 19 colleges and schools, encompassing nearly 800 faculty members and around 10,000 students. The college currently offers over 40 majors and 55 minors, including programs in women’s gender and sexuality studies and LGBTQ studies, areas that have been subject to scrutiny by conservative state lawmakers.
As the university continues its search for a permanent dean, the interim Provost emphasized Sosa’s leadership experience and knowledge of the university as critical for maintaining stability during this transition. Enrollment in the College of Liberal Arts has seen a remarkable increase of 12.5% since 2019, with approximately 11,428 students currently enrolled in 2023.
Throughout her time as dean, Stevens has introduced several new programs, notably a behavioral and social data science major and a master’s degree in medical and health humanities. However, the university’s evaluation process for deans does not mandate formal reviews at the end of their term, which has raised concerns among some faculty members.
The UT chapter of the American Association of University Professors has publicly condemned the university’s decision regarding Stevens’ nonrenewal, citing a lack of due process in her case. The context of Sosa’s appointment is further complicated by several recent administrative changes at UT, including the resignation of the Chief of Police and the provost, alongside layoffs in the communications department.
As the college prepares for a change in leadership, President Jay Hartzell confirmed that Stevens will remain active as a faculty member after her tenure as dean concludes, allowing for continuity even amidst the current transitional phase.
Key Statistics of the University of Texas College of Liberal Arts
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Faculty | 800 |
| Total Students | 11,428 (enrollment in 2023) |
| Increase in Enrollment Since 2019 | 12.5% |
| Number of Majors Offered | Over 40 |
| Number of Minors Offered | 55 |
| Years Sosa in Chair Position | Since 2006 |
FAQ
David Sosa is a professor in the humanities and the chair of the Philosophy Department at the University of Texas. He will serve as the interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts starting June 1.
Ann Huff Stevens was not allowed to pursue a second term due to differing visions for the College of Liberal Arts as determined by former President Jay Hartzell.
The College of Liberal Arts is the largest college at UT, with nearly 800 faculty members and approximately 10,000 students enrolled. It offers more than 40 majors and 55 minors.
During Ann Huff Stevens’ tenure, new academic programs were introduced, including a behavioral and social data science major and a master’s in medical and health humanities.
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Additional Resources
- Statesman: UT Names College of Liberal Arts Interim Dean
- Austin Chronicle: The Right-Wingification of UT
- AOL: UT College of Liberal Arts Dean Under Scrutiny
- Google Search: University of Texas College of Liberal Arts
- Wikipedia: University of Texas at Austin
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