The University of Oklahoma Honors College has appointed Dr. Kalenda Eaton as its new associate dean. Eaton, who joined OU in 2019, brings over twenty years of experience in academic leadership, interdisciplinary research, and student-centered program development.
Over the past six years, Eaton has contributed to the university through a range of leadership roles, including serving as interim chair of Women’s and Gender Studies, as an officer and member of the Faculty Senate Executive Committee, and on several major university committees. In 2024, she was selected for the inaugural cohort of OU’s SEC Academic Leadership Development Program fellows.
“As the Honors College evolves in continuing to serve the University and the state as a launching pad and community of support for some of the best students in the country,” Honors College Dean Paul Gilmore said. “Kalenda will play a key role in imagining and directing our transformation towards offering students across all the colleges innovative and transformative experiences that allow them to develop their profound talents and potential to the fullest.”
Eaton is a Fulbright scholar, former endowed chair in the social sciences and humanities, and recent recipient of OU’s VPRP Award for Excellence in Research and Creative Activity.
Beyond OU, Eaton serves on advisory boards for state and national humanities organizations, was president of the Western Literature Association, and participates on regional accreditation review teams, contributing to best practices in areas such as student learning outcomes and program assessment.
Eaton earned her B.A. with honors from Dillard University as a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow, and her M.A. and Ph.D. from The Ohio State University.
She officially begins her role as associate dean this semester.
