“Jane is an outstanding and trusted leader,” said President Hochstettler. “For more than 25 years, she has demonstrated her commitment to academic excellence and service to the community. I have worked closely with her and witnessed firsthand her leadership, and I benefit daily from her wise counsel. All of us at Lewis & Clark are fortunate that she has agreed to share her insight and talents in guiding the Graduate School during this time of transition.”
Atkinson first joined Lewis & Clark in 1978 as an assistant professor of anthropology. Over the next 22 years, she held many leadership roles, including Chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, director of the Gender Studies Program, Dean of Social Sciences and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. In 2000, she assumed her current position as Vice President and Provost.
“I am deeply committed to our mission of preparing students for lives of local and global engagement,” Atkinson said. “And I look forward to working with the Graduate School’s faculty and staff as we continue providing quality academic programs and collaborating with our community partners.”
Atkinson received her MA and PhD in Anthropology from Stanford University and an AB from Bryn Mawr College. She has received numerous awards for her academic leadership and research.
Associate Dean Nancy Nagel responded to the announcement confidently, saying, “Our faculty and staff remain committed to the Graduate School’s values of social justice, equity, and compassion. We have plans to engage the community with lectures, conferences, and events this year. We look forward to working with Jane and to building on our strengths and emerging as an even stronger school.”
