Dr. Philip Cavalier, former associate professor of American literature and dean of general education at Catawba College, has been appointed provost and dean of Eureka College in Illinois effective June 1.
“Dr. Cavalier comes to Eureka with a distinguished background in liberal arts education and working collaboratively with faculty on curriculum development and other academic projects,” said Eureka College President J. David Arnold.
Cavalier said he looks forward to taking his new post at Eureka.
“To me, undergraduate education works best at small liberal arts colleges that challenge students academically and socially. With its rich history and excellent faculty, I believe that Eureka College can be a top-tier, nationally recognized liberal arts college.
“My main goal is to work with the president, faculty, staff and trustees to identify and develop areas of opportunity that will contribute to the success of Eureka College and its core mission to cultivate excellence in learning, service and leadership,” he said.
At Catawba, Cavalier was director of the First-Year Experience program to introduce students to the interconnectedness of liberal and professional education and increase their engagement with the social and intellectual life of the campus community. He helped design the college’s First-Year Seminar to help students make a smooth transition from high school to college.
Cavalier also chaired the committee that planned the renovation and expansion of the college library, and he was coordinator of the summer school program. He was selected as Teacher of the Year in 2002, 2003 and this year.
As a Fulbright Scholar in Ukraine during the 2005-2006 academic year, Cavalier taught American literature at two universities in Kyiv and delivered guest lectures throughout Ukraine. He also delivered lectures in Estonia and Egypt that were sponsored by the U.S. Embassies. He is a member of the Fulbright Peer Review Committee for Central Eurasia.
A native of New York City, Cavalier received a bachelor’s degree in economics from Swarthmore College in Swarthmore, Pa.; a master’s degree in English with honors from Northeastern University at Boston; and a doctorate in English from State University of New York in Buffalo.
He replaces Irene Burgess, who held the positions for two and a half years and is now vice president for academic programs at the Appalachian College Association.