Longtime UK Professor, Administrator Susan Carvalho Joins University of Alabama

LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 16, 2016) – Longtime University of Kentucky scholar and academic administrator Susan Carvalho is assuming the position of dean of the Graduate School and associate provost at the University of Alabama.

Carvalho begins in Alabama on July 1.

“For more than 25 years, Susan Carvalho has embodied excellence in teaching and scholarship, as well as a number of pivotal leadership roles at the University of Kentucky," UK Provost Tim Tracy said. "As a faculty member, as a college administrator, and for the last six years as a member of the provost’s leadership team and, most recently, as a dean, Susan has always taken on roles with enthusiasm, focus and intellect. In particular, she has been one of the primary drivers behind our increasingly successful efforts to internationalize our campus — an initiative that has made us a more diverse, inclusive and vibrant community.

“I have every confidence that she will continue her outstanding career at our sister institution, the University of Alabama. We wish her only the best as she takes this next step in her professional career."

Carvalho currently serves as associate provost for internationalization and interim associate provost and dean of The Graduate School.

She has an extensive administrative background, having previously served as associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences, convener of the General Education Reform Steering Committee, interim chair of the Departments of Hispanic Studies and  Political Science, chair of the Domestic Partner Benefits Committee, and she also held a concurrent appointment for six years as director of the Spanish School at Middlebury College in Vermont.

Carvalho currently holds the rank of full professor in the Department of Hispanic Studies. An internationally visible scholar of Hispanic cultural studies, she has published one monograph and one edited volume, along with numerous scholarly articles and book reviews, and has delivered more than 40 invited lectures and conference presentations. 

She has brought over $3 million in international grants and projects to UK, both to internationalize the UK campus and to advise on higher education in developing countries.

“UK has been a wonderful place to work and live for the past 26 years. The transformations the campus has seen have been incredible, and I have always found role models among the faculty, staff, and administration,” Carvalho said. “I look forward to watching UK’s continued advancement from afar, and with wonderful memories of the students and teams with whom I’ve had the privilege to work.”

UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, visit uky.edu/uk4ky. #uky4ky #seeblue

MEDIA CONTACT: Jay Blanton, jay.blanton@uky.edu; 859-257-6605