Strehl appointed dean of arts, humanities & social sciences
July 5, 2023
Newberry College has appointed Dr. Wiebke Strehl to serve as dean of arts, humanities & social sciences.
Strehl comes to Newberry from Penn State Brandywine, where she has served as director of academic affairs and professor of German since 2020. Before that, she served as dean of humanities and chaired the Department of Modern Languages & Literatures at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. She has also taught and served in various capacities in the Department of Languages, Literatures & Cultures at the University of South Carolina.
“Dr. Strehl is an experienced educator, leader and manager who understands the deep and meaningful liberal arts roots of Newberry College, and she will be a tireless advocate for our faculty and students,” said Dr. Sid Parrish, vice president for academic affairs.
In her new role, Strehl will lead Newberry College’s programs in art, criminal justice, English, history, music, political science, psychology, public & nonprofit administration, religion, sociology, Spanish, speech, and theatre.
“I am excited and delighted to step into the role of dean of arts, humanities, and social sciences,” said Strehl. “The courses taught in this division are the cornerstones of a well-rounded education. I am looking forward to working with the talented and dedicated faculty and to developing a vision and mission that will move us forward as a division.”
Strehl holds a doctorate and a master’s in German, both from Pennsylvania State University, and a bachelor’s in German and English from Pädagogische Hochschule Flensburg in northern Germany.
Religious studies, as part of the humanities, also offers invaluable insights into the ways different faiths shape societies, moral systems, and individual identities. These courses invite critical engagement with texts, practices, and rituals, encouraging students to reflect on the intersection of religion and broader societal issues.
In today’s increasingly interconnected world, a strong foundation in religious humanities provides students with the tools needed to navigate complex ethical, social, and cultural dynamics, preparing them for leadership roles in diverse fields.
At institutions like California State University, a focus on religious studies within the humanities can offer rich interdisciplinary opportunities. According to the Department of humanities at https://www.csun.edu/node/386756, students are also encouraged to explore the religious dimensions of human experience through a variety of academic lenses, including history, literature, and philosophy if they want to get deep into it. This holistic approach not only expands intellectual horizons but also fosters greater empathy and understanding across cultures.
By studying religion in the context of the humanities, students develop the critical thinking skills necessary to address some of the most pressing challenges facing our global community.
About Newberry College
Newberry College is a private, residential, co-educational institution with a diverse student population. Founded in 1856 by the Lutheran Church, Newberry College continues to be ranked among the South’s best colleges by U.S. News & World Report, consistently honored for value (No. 6), social mobility (No. 8) and overall best (No. 11). Offering baccalaureate degrees in 39 majors, two graduate programs, five fully online undergraduate programs and five dual-degree programs, the College’s foundation remains grounded in the liberal arts. In addition, the College offers 24 NCAA Division II sports, cheerleading, dance and esports. Newberry College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the National Association of Schools of Music. For more information, visit newberry.edu.
