Arias named Dean of the School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs

Aimee Arias, Ph.D., has been named dean of the College of Charleston School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs, effective July 1, 2023. An innovative leader, educator and researcher, Arias will build upon the school’s dedication to preparing students to become discerning, knowledgeable and engaged global citizens.

In her current role as associate dean of research and creative activity in the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters at Florida Atlantic University, Arias fosters collaboration in teaching and research; builds industry, community and international connections; and handles all aspects of research funding. Among her achievements is the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Brazil’s Universidade Federal Fluminense to support faculty research collaborations and student exchanges. As part of this partnership, Arias hosts an annual Brazil-Florida Summit in South Florida to foster a community-wide exchange of ideas and collaborations.

Arias also worked to develop a research strategic plan for FAU to increase proposals for external funding, diversify the external outlets for proposal submission, expand cross-discipline faculty collaboration and enhance the promotion of research success. To promote research activities across campus and to the community, she created a podcast and a research update.

Also at FAU, Arias was assistant director of the Leon Charney Diplomacy Program. In this role, she trained students for participation in Model European Union competitions, served as the on-site advisor for National Model United Nations and created the South Florida High School Model European Union. She also served as chair of the Department of Political Science, where she developed a five-year plan focused on enriching education, promoting cultures of research and inquiry, and connecting FAU to the community and industry.

Arias holds a doctorate in international studies and an M.A. in inter-American affairs from the University of Miami. She received her B.A. in international relations from George Washington University.