Meet Dawn McCormack

New dean for Howard College of Arts and Sciences

by Sarah Waller

Having led teams in Egypt and on college campuses, Dawn McCormack is now the first female dean of Howard College of Arts and Sciences. She came to Samford in July from Middle Tennessee State University where she held numerous leadership positions, including associate dean of its College of Liberal Arts and then College of Graduate Studies.

McCormack earned her B.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations. She is an Egyptologist and has led numerous archaeological excavations. She said these experiences sparked her passion for teaching and leadership.

Why Samford?

Initially, I was drawn to the academic quality of the institution as well as its Christian mission. As I learned more, I fell in love with the students and the faculty. The beauty of the campus is inspirational, and the community itself is strong in a way that creates a unique atmosphere whether someone is a freshman, alumnus or faculty member.

What excites you most about becoming dean of Howard College of Arts and Sciences?

Higher education is changing rapidly, and there are opportunities to create new programs and initiatives that benefit our students in ways that were not even conceivable previously. We can also ensure that traditional disciplines prosper as these are critical for our students to become well-educated individuals and contributing members of society.

Why is a liberal arts education important?

A solid liberal arts education provides students with a platform to learn multiple ways of approaching challenging problems, experience intellectual growth, gain maturity and obtain skills and tools required for success in long-term career pathways. Today, graduates must be creative and adaptable problem solvers who can work both independently and in teams.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up as an only child on a small farm in Central Texas, and I was a competitive gymnast. My parents made lots of sacrifices so that I could train, travel and follow my dreams to become an Egyptologist.

Tell us about your archaeological fieldwork in Egypt.

It involved both pharaonic and Coptic Christian projects. I excavated a small royal tomb and studied kingship in the 13th dynasty. I have also worked on projects related to early Christianity in Egypt from large monastic cities to hermitages deep in the desert. In some of these projects, I led teams of students and researchers and contributed to the knowledge of little-known aspects of ancient Egypt.

Tell us about your immediate family. Do you have any pets?

I am married with two boys, Hayden and Dawson. My husband, Jim, and I have been foster parents as well. We have varying numbers of cats, as we seem to be feline magnets, but our official pets include Xander, Felix and Pearl. ◗