News

Anthropologist is Durham’s new Dean of Arts and Humanities

(3 August 2005)

Professor Seth Kunin, a prominent anthropologist and theologian, is joining the Durham University academic management team as an Executive Dean in September.

Professor Kunin, currently in a senior role at Aberdeen University, will be Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Humanities which covers two of Durham’s top-rank research subjects - History and English- together with other internationally recognised strengths in Classics, Music, Philosophy, Languages and Theology & Religion.

Vice-Chancellor Sir Kenneth Calman said: “In Professor Kunin we welcome someone who is both an international scholar and an experienced manager within the contemporary academic scene. I am delighted that he will be part of our executive team, particularly as we prepare for the next national assessment of research quality.”

Seth Daniel Kunin graduated from Columbia University and later took at MA at the Jewish Theological Seminary of America and a PhD in Cambridge. His first lectureship in theology was at Nottingham University. He moved to Aberdeen in 1999 as Senior Lecturer, becoming head of the School of Divinity & Religious studies in 2001 and a Professor two years later. He was an Acting Dean at Aberdeen, and under its new structure he is Deputy Head and Director of Research in the College of Arts & Social Sciences.

He has a strong research profile and links with universities in the UK, Ireland and North America. Specialist areas include Hebrew myth and other aspects of Judaism.

Further information: Professor Seth Kunin (during August) 01224 273811 Keith Seacroft., Head of Media & Public Affairs, Durham University 0191 334 6074