Christopher R. Boyer Named (CHESS) Dean
Christopher R. Boyer has been appointed as the inaugural dean of the newly established College of Humanities & Earth and Social Sciences (CHESS) at UNC Charlotte. This announcement came after the University’s Board of Trustees approved his appointment during their April 25 meeting.
Boyer will transition to UNC Charlotte starting July 1, leaving behind his current role as dean of the College of Arts and Letters at Northern Arizona University.
Jennifer Troyer, the provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at UNC Charlotte, expressed enthusiasm for Boyer’s upcoming tenure. “Chris is an experienced academic leader with a diverse portfolio of scholarship rooted in the connection between history and the environment,” Troyer said. “His experience as a champion for interdisciplinary approaches will complement our strength in the area of cross-disciplinary collaborations and support our growth in teaching and research across our institution and for all disciplines within CHESS. We are thrilled to welcome him to Charlotte.”
Boyer brings over a decade of administrative experience from prominent public research universities, emphasizing student access and regional service. His four-year stint at Northern Arizona University saw him revamp the College of Arts and Letters, enhancing its public engagement and creating student success initiatives.
Discussing his new role, Boyer shared his vision for CHESS and its contribution to contemporary global challenges. “I was drawn to this position because I see the tremendous potential in the disciplines of CHESS to provide insight and research into the great challenges for humanity in our time. I firmly believe in the mission of public universities to provide access and mobility for students, and I’m eager to join the incredible work happening at UNC Charlotte and take part in that mission,” Boyer said.
Before his time at NAU, Boyer was a professor and department chair at the University of Illinois Chicago, specializing in Latin American and Latino studies. His research primarily focuses on the social history of forest management in Mexico and the impact on indigenous communities.
In addition to his academic roles, Boyer contributes internationally, serving on the editorial board of the journal The Americas and participating in various historical associations. His scholarly achievements include multiple awards for teaching and several prestigious fellowships. His publications have been recognized for their significant contributions to social sciences and environmental history.
Boyer, who holds degrees from Dartmouth College, the University of Pittsburgh, and the University of Chicago, is multilingual, fluent in English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. He will be relocating to Charlotte with his wife, Amy Shannon, celebrating 35 years of marriage. The couple is looking forward to exploring the natural landscapes of North Carolina, especially since Boyer is an avid hiker eager to explore the trails of the Piedmont and the Outer Banks.