College of Arts and Humanities names Bein as associate dean

Professor Amit Bein has been selected as the new Associate Dean for Research and Faculty Affairs for the College of Arts and Humanities. Bein served as chair of the Department of History and Geography from 2020-2023, and he has been a Clemson University faculty member since 2006.

“The College of Arts and Humanities is known for the world-class scholarship and artistic creativity of our faculty, which we intend to continue to support and enhance toward achieving the University’s strategic goal of doubling research by 2035,” Bein said.

Bein is a distinguished scholar in his own right, holding a Ph.D. in Near Eastern Studies from Princeton University. An expert on late Ottoman history and the early Turkish republic, he is the author of two books with a third book, “World War II, Turkey, and the Fate of the Balkans and the Middle East,” nearing completion.

 “Amit has an outstanding record of accomplishment as an administrator, researcher and instructor,” said Nicholas Vazsonyi, dean of the College of Arts and Humanities. “He has been a valuable voice in our College leadership as chair, and I look forward to seeing his drive and intellect flourish in the role of associate dean.”

During his tenure as department chair, Bein oversaw increased enrollment in the undergraduate history major as well as the History M.A. program. He also presided over the launch of the nation’s first Ph.D. in Digital History and the development of the legal studies emphasis in the history major.

Bein succeeds Professor Paul Buyer of the Department of Performing Arts, who served as acting associate dean of research and faculty affairs during Fall 2023 after the launch of the new College.

“I’m enormously grateful to Paul for his work to keep our faculty affairs on a sure footing during the reorganization,” Vazsonyi said. “I also want to express my deepest gratitude to Elysse Newman, who served in this role for the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities prior to last year’s College reorganization. She was instrumental in helping us adapt throughout the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, and she set a standard of excellence from which our new College continues to benefit.”

Newman continues to serve as the associate dean of research and faculty affairs for the new College of Architecture, Art and Construction.

About the College of Arts and Humanities

Founded in 2023, the College of Arts and Humanities (CAH) at Clemson University is centered on exploring and understanding the human condition. It encourages students to engage with culture, history, literature, performance, and the intersections of differing fields of study. The College is home to the departments of English, History and Geography, Interdisciplinary Studies, Languages, Performing Arts, and Philosophy and Religion. Through expert pedagogy in supportive environments, students are trained to think deeply, write effectively, express their thoughts with confidence and interact respectfully with others. CAH is where Clemson students prepare to meet the world.