In a move that signifies both continuity and change, Drake University has named Professor Natalie Bayer as the interim dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. Bayer, who has a long tenure as a history professor and administrator, will assume the role as Dean Gesine Gerhard steps down after eight impactful years. During Bayer’s interim period, Drake will search nationally for a permanent dean to guide the College.
Drake University Provost Sue Mattison praised Bayer’s leadership, stating, “Professor Bayer has demonstrated deep and steady commitment to student, staff, and faculty success. She is recognized and respected across campus for her thoughtful leadership and the ability to navigate difficult situations equitably and transparently. We are truly grateful to have her lead the College during this important transition.”
A Scholar with a Vision
Bayer is not only known for her administrative prowess but also for her scholarly contributions. Her recent work includes co-authoring Initiating the Millennium: The Avignon Society and Illuminism in Europe, published by Oxford University Press in 2020. She is set to release a Russian-language edition of this work along with a new monograph, Brotherhood and Fatherland: Freemasonry and Enlightenment in Eighteenth-Century Russia, in 2026.
Her extensive experience within the College, including her tenure as Associate Dean for Student Affairs from 2018 to 2024, bolsters her qualifications for the interim dean position.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the new role, Bayer said, “I am honored to serve the College in this capacity. Having worked as a teacher, scholar, and administrator at Drake since 2010, I look forward to supporting our faculty and students as we continue our tradition of excellence in the liberal arts.”
Reflecting on Dean Gerhard’s Legacy
Dean Gesine Gerhard has been a pivotal figure at the College since 2019, driving initiatives that expanded global and intercultural learning opportunities. Her tenure saw the establishment of Drake’s first international dual-degree program with Qingdao University in China and the launch of a data analytics and artificial intelligence program in Panama. Her efforts also included strengthening donor relationships, resulting in numerous new endowed professorships.
Mattison acknowledged Gerhard’s contributions, noting, “We are grateful for Dean Gerhard’s steadfast leadership and her passionate advocacy for a liberal arts education. Her contributions have prepared the College to thrive in the years to come.”
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