Adele Lindenmeyr, PhD, the William and Julia Moulden Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, to retire as dean

VILLANOVA, Pa., (Sept. 17, 2026)-Villanova University President the Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, PhD, announced today that Adele Lindenmeyr, PhD, the William and Julia Moulden Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS), is retiring after nearly 40 years of service to Villanova University. Dr. Lindenmeyr, who has led the College since 2014, will retire in June 2028 after a sabbatical during the 2027-28 academic year. She will be named Dean Emeritus upon her retirement.

"Her steadfast commitment to academic rigor and intellectual curiosity has shaped the educational experience of thousands of Villanova students. Just as importantly, she has championed the liberal arts as an essential foundation for educating ethical leaders and lifelong learners. On behalf of the entire Villanova community, I offer my heartfelt thanks to Dr. Lindenmeyr for her remarkable leadership and devoted service. Her contributions have shaped the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and strengthened Villanova University in ways that will endure for years to come," said Father Donohue.

Under Dr. Lindenmeyr's leadership, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has strengthened its academic excellence, elevated its national reputation and recruited hundreds of outstanding faculty members who enrich Villanova's classrooms and intellectual community. The College's research profile grew substantially during Dr. Lindenmeyr's tenure, helping to expand opportunities for meaningful discovery and support Villanova's teacher-scholars. Several academic centers were established under her leadership, including the Albert Lepage Center for History in the Public Interest, the Center for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Stewardship, the Center for Political Theology and the Villanova OneSky Center for Astrophysics, as well as the elevation of the Irish Studies program to the Center for Irish Studies. Dr. Lindenmeyr also championed and helped create the Center for Inclusive Education, which helps students participate in experiences such as study abroad, faculty-mentored research, internships and immersion programs regardless of financial circumstance.

"It has been a true privilege to be part of Villanova's remarkable growth and transformation. Today, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences stands stronger than at any point in its history, reflecting the talent, dedication, and collective efforts of our exceptional faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters," said Dr. Lindenmeyr. "I am deeply grateful for their partnership and commitment as we have worked together to establish CLAS as one of the nation's leading institutions for the liberal arts."

An internationally recognized expert in modern Russian history, Dr. Lindenmeyr maintained her scholarly profile throughout her deanship. She received numerous fellowships and awards throughout her career, including a research fellowship from the National Endowment for the Humanities. She is a frequent presenter at national and international conferences, and her research has been published in American, European and Russian scholarly outlets. In 2019, Dr. Lindenmeyr authored the book, Citizen Countess: Sofia Panina and the Russian Revolution, the first biography of one of the most prominent women of this era.

"Throughout her career, Dr. Lindenmeyr has served as an exemplary model of what it means to be a Villanova teacher-scholar," remarked Patrick G. Maggitti, Provost of Villanova University. "She approached her teaching, scholarship and leadership with equal passion and commitment, leaving an indelible mark on the University and generations of students, colleagues and alumni."

A member of the Villanova community for nearly 40 years and a tenured professor of History, Dr. Lindenmeyr previously served as Dean of Graduate Studies for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and as the chairperson of the History Department. She was a faculty member at Carnegie Mellon University before coming to Villanova in 1987.

About Villanova University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences: Since its founding in 1842, Villanova University's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences has been the heart of the Villanova learning experience, offering foundational courses for undergraduate students in every college of the University. Serving more than 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students, the College is committed to fortifying them with intellectual rigor, multidisciplinary knowledge, moral courage and a global perspective. The College has more than 40 academic departments and programs across the humanities, social sciences, and natural and physical sciences.

About Villanova University: Since 1842, Villanova University's Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's six colleges-the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Ranked among the nation's top universities, Villanova supports its students' intellectual growth and prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them. For more, visit www.villanova.edu