A&S Dean’s Office & Criminal Justice

Faculty Supervisor Award

Nominated by Ann C. Hall, Chair
Comparative Humanities

Prof. Deborah Keeling has a Ph.D. in Sociology from Purdue University. She is currently the Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs in the College of Arts & Sciences as well as a professor in the Department of Criminal Justice. In her capacity as Associate Dean she is responsible for all personnel and academic procedures and programs for the more than 400 faculty in the College. Prior to her current appointment, Prof. Keeling served as the Chair of the Department of Criminal Justice from 1990 to 2014. Under her leadership and with significant contributions from faculty, the department has grown and now includes a Ph.D. in criminal justice. 

“During a lengthy pre-semester College of Arts and Sciences Faculty Orientation, Dr. Keeling introduced herself and spent time with all the new faculty--no small task, given the larger number of new hires in Arts and Sciences in the 2016-17 Academic year. The day was well-organized and informative. Faculty were introduced to many important topics and issues including the policies of the College of Arts and Sciences, the Delphi Center, and A&S Marketing and Communications. Expectations regarding research, tenure and promotion were discussed, and there were even some tips on teaching and making the first day of class more meaningful than the mind-numbing ritual reading of the syllabus.”

“Her work on the faculty salary equity matters, moreover, reflects her commitment to faculty and a remarkable attention to detail.”

“[Dr. Keeling’s] seemingly boundless energy is reflected in her ability to maintain her contacts in her professional field, criminal justice. Not only did she attend and present at an international conference this semester in Russia, which clearly highlights her reputation as an international scholar, but she remains connected to her work through her work with the local law enforcement community and her oversight of graduate students. Though much of her work is in administration at the present time, she models the delicate balancing act of academia's tripartite expectations: research, teaching, and service.”

“During tense meetings, she is poised, pleasant, and firm. I think this leads others to respect her, even when they do not necessarily agree with her. Such behavior embodies the atmosphere of disagreement academia aspires to—disputatio.”

“Through her own engagement in professional activities and work with graduate students, Dr. Keeling motivates faculty to do the same – to research and teach with passion. Even during the most tedious policy discussions, Dr. Keeling inspires. She gathered new chairs together early in the semester to review the Redbook policies for Arts and Sciences, and the discussion was enlightening and informative. Chairs also came away from the meeting knowing the Dr. Keeling would be there for them when difficulties or questions arose in the future.”

“Dr. Keeling listens and incorporates suggestions and comments. …At the same time, she has a vision of Arts and Sciences, and she has high standards for the college and the faculty. She upholds these standards herself, and she inspires others to do the same. Her work ethic and passion for the academy are clear.”

“The College is lucky to have Dr. Keeling serving as the Associate Dean of Faculty Affairs. She understands faculty concerns, but she also has a sense of the needs of the College. She balances these, sometimes conflicting impulses, to the University's advantage. She is not one to dwell on the negative. She helps move issues forward with grace and humor.  I hope you will give her nomination every consideration."