The University is today announcing that Professor Miguel Mera has been appointed as the next Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities.
Miguel, who is currently Vice-President (Research) at City, University of London and a former Dean of the School of Arts and Social Sciences at City, will join Southampton in January 2024, when the current Dean Paul Whittaker’s second term of office ends. He will become a Member of the University Executive Board (UEB).
Miguel is a composer of music for the moving image and a musicologist exploring the theory and practice of screen music and sound. He is widely published in music and moving image studies, and his composition work has been screened at film festivals and cinemas worldwide.
The appointment follows an extensive selection process including engagement sessions with groups of faculty, academic and professional services staff.
Professor Mark E. Smith, President and Vice-Chancellor, said: “Miguel greatly impressed the selection panel with his ambition for the role the faculty can play in delivering the University’s triple-helix Strategy, and for his clear passion and understanding of the breadth and impact of the faculty and its schools.”
“I would also like to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to Paul for his leadership of the faculty, and previously as Dean of the Faculty of Business, Law and Art, over the last eight years, and for the insightful contributions he has always made at UEB.”
Professor Miguel Mera said: “Southampton is an outstanding University, and the Faculty has an impressive and growing reputation. I am delighted to have the opportunity to take on this role at an exciting point in the University’s strategic journey. The Arts and Humanities have a key role to play in the University and beyond and I am very much looking forward to working with staff and students to help shape this agenda.”
