Sally Hunnicutt, Ph.D., introduced as new interim dean for faculty affairs
May 18, 2020
The CHS dean's office is pleased to announce the appointment of Sally Hunnicutt, Ph.D., as interim associate dean for faculty affairs effective May 10, 2020. Dr. Hunnicutt is currently associate chair and professor in the Department of Chemistry. She was recognized by the College with its teaching award in 2012 and by VCU with its Distinguished Teaching Award in 2015.
Dr. Hunnicutt's commitments at VCU have been split about evenly among research, teaching and service. Conducting research focused on pedagogy and faculty development, she obtained funding from the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Education and SCHEV.
She has taught courses for majors and non-majors, large and small courses, and lecture and laboratory courses.
As associate chair in the Department of Chemistry, Dr. Hunnicutt mentored faculty and had the privilege of writing successful award nominations for faculty and staff. She also served on a variety of College and university committees.
Dr. Hunnicutt especially enjoys developing and facilitating faculty workshops. From 2007-08 to present, she facilitated more than 40 workshops—at VCU and across the U.S.—with more than 1,000 participants. These workshops provided a fantastic opportunity for mentoring, promoting diversity and equity, and sharing sound teaching and research practices among faculty.
Dr. Hunnicutt is also happy to serve the Richmond community through the Blue Sky Fund board of directors, and her professional community as a former steering committee member of the POGIL Project and as a reviewer for journals and NSF proposals. She and her husband, Mike, enjoy hiking, climbing and mountain biking, especially when joined by their two sons, Patrick and Nathan.
Dr. Hunnicutt affirms that faculty are central to the success of the College’s core mission to be the “intellectual engine” at the heart of VCU, so faculty well-being is vital to the College and to VCU’s. Likewise, she believes that the role of associate dean for faculty affairs in the College of Humanities and Sciences is critical in supporting and facilitating faculty development, retention, promotion, and ultimately, success at VCU. She is excited for the new opportunities and challenges as the interim associate dean of faculty affairs.