Debra Boyd Appointed as Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs

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Debra Boyd was a natural choice for the position with her effective leadership across disciplines, strong record of achievement and consensus building, and initiative in creating new degree programs and collaborations to meet current student needs.

The vice president for academic affairs provides leadership to five colleges, the library and the graduate school.

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Debra Boyd

ROCK HILL, S.C. - Debra Boyd, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Winthrop University since 2003, has been appointed as acting vice president for academic affairs, President Anthony J. DiGiorgio announced Wednesday. Boyd’s appointment follows the resignation of Tom Moore, who was named chancellor of USC Upstate in Spartanburg.

DiGiorgio said Boyd was a natural choice for the position with her effective leadership across disciplines, strong record of achievement and consensus building and initiative in creating new degree programs and collaborations to meet current student needs. Of particular note during her tenure as dean were the increased number and amount of grants bringing millions of dollars to the university; the development of the department of interdisciplinary studies; and the strengthening and expansion of faculty and student research collaboration through the undergraduate research programs.

"As an experienced teacher, scholar and administrator, Dr. Boyd has helped deepen the university’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and our continuing emphasis on the importance of strong faculty-student relationships," DiGiorgio said. "She has the support and respect of her colleagues and will keep our students’ academic success at the forefront of our educational mission."

Boyd noted, "Since coming to Winthrop in 1984, I have been fortunate to work with many faculty, administrators, staff and students from across the institution; and I look forward to more opportunities for collaboration in my new role."

The vice president for academic affairs provides leadership to five colleges, the library and the graduate school.

Boyd said she welcomes the challenge of Winthrop’s top academic post. She added, "I appreciate Dr. DiGiorgio’s confidence in me, especially at a time when colleges and universities are facing difficult economic realities. During these challenging times, the strength of Winthrop’s academic programs and the talent and dedication of the people who deliver those programs will keep Winthrop in the vanguard of educational institutions."

Boyd previously served as chair of the Department of English (1999-2003) and as director of Winthrop’s composition program (1987-1995). She also directed the Office for Effective Teaching (1998-99) and co-directed the university’s Summer Term Educational Program (STEP) in 1990.

Most recently a member of the Roles and Rewards Task Force, Boyd has served on numerous search committees and on more than 20 university committees and task forces. She received the Phi Kappa Phi Excellence in Teaching Award in 1995 and the Arts and Sciences Advising Award in 2003.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in English and mathematics and her master’s degree in English literature from Appalachian State University. The Charlotte, N.C., native earned her doctorate in Renaissance literature from the University of South Carolina.

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