Dr. Philip Acree Cavalier, assistant professor of English and director of the Freshman Seminar Program at Catawba College, has been appointed assistant dean of the College, effective with the advent of spring semester.

In his new role, Cavalier will continue directing the Freshman Seminar Program and develop other academic experiences for first-year students. As chief academic advisor, he will improve the advising system, administer transfer student orientation, and work with student problems and appeals. In addition, he will work with Dr. Barbara Hetrick, vice president and dean of the College, and faculty colleagues to strengthen the general education program, plan summer school, and oversee annual production of the catalog.

According to Hetrick, “It will be a delight to work with Phil to achieve our ambitious enrollment and academic goals. He clearly has the intelligence, energy and drive to make a significant difference in the intellectual culture and climate of Catawba College.”

For the past two years, Cavalier has received Catawba’s Teacher of the Year Award, an award determined by a vote of the students and based on classroom support, evidence of concern for students, and intellectual stimulation.

Cavalier joined Catawba in 2000 after having taught for two years in the Great Books Program at Auburn University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Swarthmore College, his master’s degree in English from Northeastern University in Boston and his Ph.D. in English from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He currently serves on the vestry at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, and was a member of the Board of Directors for Rowan Academy Charter School.

Dr. Philip Acree Cavalier, assistant professor of English and director of the Freshman Seminar Program at Catawba College, has been appointed assistant dean of the College, effective with the advent of spring semester.

In his new role, Cavalier will continue directing the Freshman Seminar Program and develop other academic experiences for first-year students. As chief academic advisor, he will improve the advising system, administer transfer student orientation, and work with student problems and appeals. In addition, he will work with Dr. Barbara Hetrick, vice president and dean of the College, and faculty colleagues to strengthen the general education program, plan summer school, and oversee annual production of the catalog.

According to Hetrick, “It will be a delight to work with Phil to achieve our ambitious enrollment and academic goals. He clearly has the intelligence, energy and drive to make a significant difference in the intellectual culture and climate of Catawba College.”

For the past two years, Cavalier has received Catawba’s Teacher of the Year Award, an award determined by a vote of the students and based on classroom support, evidence of concern for students, and intellectual stimulation.

Cavalier joined Catawba in 2000 after having taught for two years in the Great Books Program at Auburn University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in economics from Swarthmore College, his master’s degree in English from Northeastern University in Boston and his Ph.D. in English from the State University of New York at Buffalo. He currently serves on the vestry at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, and was a member of the Board of Directors for Rowan Academy Charter School.