David Horn, professor in the Department of Comparative Studies, has been appointed as the college’s associate executive dean of undergraduate education, effective January 2020.

As associate executive dean, Horn will have direct oversight of areas that shape the undergraduate experience in the College of Arts and Sciences — including curriculum and instruction, course and program approval, undergraduate recruitment, advising, honors, scholarships and career success. He will work with colleagues across the college and the university to intensify the value and impact of the liberal arts education and experience.

“What excites me about this role is the very same thing that attracted me to Ohio State nearly 30 years ago,” says Horn. “We offer our undergraduates the opportunity to combine a liberal arts curriculum with the resources of a top-tier research university and the service mission of a land-grant institution. Now is an exciting time to reinvigorate this promise to our students, and to ensure our culture supports them intellectually, socially and emotionally.”

Horn brings myriad teaching, research and service experience to this leadership role from three decades on Ohio State’s faculty. In 1990 he joined the Department of Comparative Studies, where his research explores the history of human sciences in Europe, and his teaching focuses on medical humanities and science and technology studies. He served as department chair from 1999-2008, during which time he oversaw the creation of the comparative studies major, which draws upon coursework across Arts and Sciences departments for an interdisciplinary orientation. A committed teacher, Horn was awarded his department’s Margaret Lynd Award for Undergraduate Teaching in 2017.

As part of his career of distinguished university service, Horn was secretary to the Board of Trustees from 2011-2014. He also served on the University Senate for two nonconsecutive terms, including as chair of the senate’s Steering Committee from 2004-2005, as well as on various university task forces, including the committee on faculty career enhancement and the task force on suicide prevention and mental health. This year, Horn received the President and Provost’s Award for Distinguished Faculty Service in recognition of his university leadership.

“Throughout his Ohio State career, David has sought opportunities to serve his department, his college and his university — all to the benefit of our students and our colleagues,” says Gretchen Ritter, executive dean and vice provost. “He cares deeply about the purpose-driven nature of a liberal arts and sciences education that challenges our undergraduates in and beyond the classroom, and I know we will all benefit from his passion and experience.”

The selection committee that reviewed nominations for the positions was chaired by Meg Daly, associate dean of undergraduate education in the Office of Student Academic Success and professor of evolution, ecology and organismal biology. Committee members included Osei Appiah, professor in the School of Communication; Janice Aski, professor in the Department of French and Italian; Mary Ellen Jenkins, assistant executive dean for Advising and Academic Services; and David Tomasko, associate dean for undergraduate education and student services in the College of Engineering and professor of chemical and biomolecular engineering.