Old Dominion University has named Laura Delbrugge dean of the College of Arts and Letters, effective July 9, following a competitive nationwide search. She succeeds Jonathan Leib, who served as the college's interim dean.
"I am delighted to welcome Delbrugge, a proven leader in higher education," said Austin O. Agho, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. "Her significant expertise includes shared governance, leading a state-driven effort to integrate teams from multiple universities, and providing crisis leadership in response to the pandemic. Collaborating with students, faculty, staff, alumni and the arts community, Delbrugge will build on Old Dominion's research and creative prominence in the arts and help us reach new heights. We are fortunate to have Dr. Delbrugge join ODU as dean, and I look forward to working with her."
Delbrugge is dean of the College of Arts and Humanities for the integrating Pennsylvania State System universities of Clarion, California and Edinboro, while continuing to serve in her role as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Clarion University of Pennsylvania. In these roles, she oversaw college strategic planning and both onsite and distance education course delivery.
"I am delighted and honored to be joining Old Dominion's College of Arts and Letters at such an exciting time for the college and University. I am looking forward to working with the college faculty and staff on behalf of our outstanding students, and my family and I are eager to become part of the ODU and Hampton Roads communities," said Delbrugge.
For more than two decades, Delbrugge taught and held a variety of administrative leadership roles at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). While at IUP, she co-led the 2013-16 Reaffirmation of Accreditation with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
Delbrugge earned her bachelor's degree in Spanish from Central College in Iowa and her master's degree and doctorate in Spanish from The Pennsylvania State University.
Her primary research focuses on Spanish medieval literature and includes three scholarly editions of works first published by Andrés de Li between 1492 and 1494 and "A Scholarly Edition of the Gamaliel."
In addition to her notable academic and administrative leadership accomplishments, Delbrugge has demonstrated her commitment to expanding student opportunity, success and affordability. She has also made advocacy for diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives and support for all students two of her professional priorities.
"On behalf of the ODU family, I am pleased to provide a warm Monarch welcome to Dr. Delbrugge as she becomes a critical part of our campus and our community," said ODU President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D. "Dr. Delbrugge is a true champion for access and opportunity, as well as scholarship and service. I am confident that Dr. Delbrugge's strong leadership and impactful work will result in profound and lasting contributions in both teaching and research within the College of Arts and Letters and across the institution."
