Provost announces new dean of Ammon College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

The Office of the Provost announced on April 17 the appointment of Dr. J. David Macey as the next dean of the Carol A. Ammon College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. Dr. Macey will begin his role at Central on July 24.  

Dr. Macey currently serves as professor of English and dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Fort Hays State University in Kansas. Prior to this role, he spent the majority of his career at the University of Central Oklahoma, where he served as interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts; chair of the English Department for nine years; and a tenured full professor. His contributions to teaching and academic leadership have been recognized with the Neely Excellence in Teaching Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award. 

A distinguished scholar, Dr. Macey is the co-author of “Forgotten African American Firsts: An Encyclopedia of Pioneering History,” and co-editor of “African American Literature: An Encyclopedia for Students” and the five-volume “Greenwood Encyclopedia of African American Literature.” His work has appeared in journals such as Philological Quarterly, Proteus: A Journal of Ideas, and Studies in Eighteenth-Century Culture, and he has delivered more than 50 conference presentations nationwide. 

Dr. Macey earned his doctorate in English Literature from Vanderbilt University in 1998, following a master’s degree from Brown University and a bachelor’s degree from Yale University. His teaching spans foundational writing and general education courses to advanced undergraduate and graduate seminars in literary history, criticism, and theory. 

“I am excited to join the Central family and look forward to getting to know the students, faculty, and staff in the Carol A. Ammon College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and across campus," says Dr. Macey. "I am ready to learn from you and to write, with you, the next chapters in our shared story.” 

In a memo to campus, Central Provost Kimberly Kostelis wrote, “I would like to thank Dr. Gilbert Gigliotti for his dedicated service and leadership as interim dean of the Carol A. Ammon College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences since June 2025, guiding the college during this period of transition.” 

Dr. Gigliotti will return to his role as professor of English.