International law expert and award-winning Professor Sophie Clavier will take the helm as associate dean of the College of Liberal & Creative Arts, Interim Dean Daniel Bernardi announced today. Todd Roehrman, who has served as the College’s associate dean since 2012, is appointed as both director of the new School of Theatre and Dance and interim chair of the Design and Industry Department.
All appointments are effective in August.
The College continues to integrate its many academic programs following the 2011 reorganization. Its leadership will soon consist of members from departments in the colleges of Creative Arts (Bernardi), Behavioral and Social Sciences (Clavier) and Humanities (Associate Dean Susan Shimanoff).
Sophie Clavier
As associate dean of faculty affairs, Clavier will manage chair reviews and elections, faculty awards, lecturer reviews and committee procedures and assignments. She will also assist the dean with tenure-track faculty in their second-year, fourth-year, tenure and promotion reviews.
“I asked Sophie to join our dean team because she is an exceedingly effective department chair, an active and highly regarded member of the Academic Senate and an accomplished scholar,” Bernardi says. “She will continue Todd’s efforts to focus the Dean’s Office on the goals and aspirations of our faculty.”
As chair of the International Relations Department, Clavier won SF State’s 2013 – 14 Excellence in Teaching Award (Tenure Track) and is a three-time winner of the International Relations Student Association’s Best Teacher of the Year Award. Her expertise includes the application of international law to international trade and the World Trade Organization, the trial of terror suspects, and armed conflict and the use of force. She is published widely in academic journals and presented papers at national conferences.
Clavier, Bernardi and International Relations faculty will discuss a successor for department chair.
Todd Roehrman
Roehrman will be back behind the stage, having previously served as Theatre Arts Department chair and, starting in 1996, taught costume design at SF State. In the School of Theatre and Dance, he will lead the development of a new dance studio in the Creative Arts Building. He is already working with a faculty committee and architects. Following Theatre Arts Interim Chair Rhonnie Washington, Roehrman will also help integrate the drama and dance curricula in close consultation with the faculty.
“Rhonnie did a terrific job this year, preparing for the opportunities, synergies and challenges that will come with the new School of Theatre and Dance,” Bernardi says. “Todd is poised to lead the School to national eminence. I’m delighted to work closely with him in his new positions.”
When Roehrman was Theatre Arts chair, he successfully led the department through the National Association of Schools of Theatre accreditation process. For the past 23 years, he has designed costumes professionally for theatre and dance companies from Seattle to San Diego as well as film and major industrials. He has collaborated with award-winning directors and designers at leading regional theatres.
Roehrman will serve as Design and Industry interim chair for 2015 – 16. Current Chair Jane Veeder is entering early retirement, but has agreed to assist Roehrman with two major departmental goals: the construction of the Design Gallery and an external search for a new chair.
“Jane has worked with faculty to build the graduate program, streamline the curriculum, address much-needed governance reform and innovate at every turn,” Bernardi says. “Working with Todd, her efforts are sure to pay off for faculty and students — DAI is in position to grow!"
Photo: Hannah Anderson