Administrative Staff
Our staff in the Arts & Sciences Dean’s Office is ready to assist you. We are a kind and caring group that values the meaningful work we do as we learn and grow together, striving to create balance in a thriving and inclusive community. You can contact us any time at as@richmond.edu and your inquiry will be routed to the appropriate staff member who will respond.
Dr. Jennifer Jones Cavenaugh, Dean
Professor of Theater
Phone: (804) 289-8416
Email: jcavenau@richmond.edu
As dean, Jennifer serves as the head academic officer for the largest school at the University of Richmond, and represents Arts & Sciences to the University and the broader community. Her role includes faculty hiring, reviews, and development; leading Academic Council; strategic planning and budgeting; and setting a strategic direction for A&S. Jennifer is a professor of theater. Read her full bio.
Dr. Sharon Feldman, Associate Dean, Division I
Professor of Spanish and Catalan Studies
William Judson Gaines Chair in Modern Foreign Languages
Phone: (804) 287-6419
Email: sfeldman@richmond.edu
Sharon serves as point of contact for academic departments and programs in Division I, Arts, Languages, and Cultures. Her additional responsibilities include supervising teaching assignment projections and overseeing contingent faculty hires; coordinating new and revised course proposals and curricular changes; serving as liaison for chairs and interdisciplinary program coordinators on enrollment management; and assisting with the merit review process. Sharon is a professor of Spanish and Catalan studies and holds the William Judson Gaines Chair in Modern Foreign Languages. Read her full bio.
Dr. Manuella Meyer, Associate Dean, Division II
Associate Professor of History
Global Studies Concentration Advisor: Politics and Governance
Phone: (804) 287-6374
Email: mmeyer@richmond.edu
Manuella serves as the point of contact for academic departments and programs in Division II, the Humanities and Social Sciences. Manuella's additional responsibilities include assisting with merit reviews; overseeing academic program review; and serving as liaison to interdisciplinary programs. Manuella is an associate professor of history and a global studies concentration advisor. Read her full bio.
Dr. Kelling J. Donald, Associate Dean, Division III
Professor of Chemistry
Phone: (804) 289-8418
Email: kdonald@richmond.edu
Kelling serves as the point of contact for academic departments and programs in Division III, the Natural and Applied Sciences. His additional responsibilities include coordinating the merit review process; overseeing the Undergraduate Research Committee; planning for equipment replacement and physical space renovations; managing the Kresge process. Kelling is a professor of chemistry. Read his full bio.
Associate Dean for Thriving, Inclusivity, Diversity, and Equity (TIDE) - vacant
The associate dean for TIDE builds capacity for the marshalling, training, and assessment of equity and inclusion efforts in the School of Arts & Sciences. The associate dean for TIDE will coordinate efforts around inclusive pedagogy and classroom climate; coordinate recruiting efforts to ensure diverse candidate pools; and work with departments and offices around campus to strengthen diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Cindy Glavas, Director of Financial Planning & Operations
Phone: (804) 287-6587
Email:cglavas@richmond.edu
Cindy oversees the operational aspects of the School. Her responsibilities include strategic planning, finance and budget, including short term and long range financial planning and projections.
Sarah Orr, Assistant Director of Financial Planning & Operations
Phone: (804) 287-1917
Email: sorr@richmond.edu
Sarah manages and provides accounting, financial, and administrative guidance and direction for the departments and interdisciplinary programs across the School of Arts & Sciences.
Jennifer Lo Prete, Communications Manager
Phone: (804) 289-8926
Email: jloprete@richmond.edu
Jennifer works in collaboration with the Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences, University Communications, and A&S faculty, staff, and students to produce and update content for the School's web sites, newsletters, print publications, and other communications channels.
Liza Williams, Academic Employment Manager
Phone: (804) 287-1826
Email: lwillia9@richmond.edu
Liza performs, coordinates, and analyzes personnel work within the School of Arts & Sciences, specializing in employment matters for all faculty positions.
Robert Plymale, Grants and Research Specialist
Phone: (804) 289-8367
Email: rplymale@richmond.edu
Robert manages all aspects of student and faculty research funding for Arts & Sciences. He also serves as liaison to the central Grants Office and plays an active role on the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC).
Carolyn Smart, Asistant to the Dean
Phone: (804) 289-8416
Email: charris6@richmond.edu
Carolyn provides administrative support to the Dean. She manages the Dean’s calendar and correspondence; provides administrative support for faculty meetings and academic council; plans School events; and supports faculty searches and tenure and promotion cases.
Barb Schaible, Academic Administrative Coordinator
Phone: (804) 289-8417
Email: barb.schaible@richmond.edu
Barb provides administrative support to the associate deans including scheduling and calendar management. The position manages several administrative processes and assists in planning School events. The position also provides administrative support to departments and interdisciplinary programs as needed.