Departments
Meet the Dean
Dr. Jill M. Pederson was appointed Interim Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) on June 1, 2025; she also serves as an Associate Professor of Art History. A dedicated educator and academic leader, Dr. Pederson has long championed inclusive pedagogy and curricular innovation at Arcadia University. Her award-winning research examines the relationship between visual culture and intellectual life in Renaissance Italy, with a particular focus on Leonardo da Vinci.
Dr. Pederson is the 2025 recipient of the Center for Antiracist Scholarship, Advocacy, and Action (CASAA) Award for Excellence in Antiracist Education, in recognition of her commitment to revising art history curricula to better reflect the contributions of BIPOC artists and global traditions. Through courses like Global Baroque Art, she challenges students to critically engage with artistic movements beyond traditional Eurocentric narratives, incorporating works from Latin America, Asia, and Africa. She has also led efforts to expand offerings in African-American art history and to foster meaningful dialogue and collaboration among faculty to diversify the field.
As Interim Dean, her priorities include fostering inclusive learning environments, championing the liberal arts, expanding global and experiential learning opportunities, and supporting faculty and students in their pursuit of creative and scholarly innovation.
*Source: Institute of International Education
