WILLIAMSBURG — William & Mary Provost Peggy Agouris announced Thursday David A. Yalof, department head and distinguished professor of political science at the University of Connecticut, has been appointed the college’s vice provost for academic affairs.
Yalof has experience in academic planning, curriculum and assessment, and is a noted scholar in constitutional law, presidential politics and American government who has authored several books, the university said in a press release.
“William & Mary is a special place,” Yalof said. “It’s always been an institution that treasures the relationship between the faculty member and the student, and you can sense that when you talk to people who are there. It’s something that’s embedded in its culture and traditions.”
Yalof will serve as chief advisor to Agouris, providing leadership and oversight of academic programs, curriculum, program planning and compliance, according to the university. His position is also expected to collaborate with university executive leadership, academic school leadership and the Faculty Assembly to advance institutional objectives, including those identified in the Vision 2026 strategic plan.
“David offers exceptional scope of vision to William & Mary, being equally strong in terms of both administrative leadership and the academic enterprise,” said Provost Peggy Agouris. “In this role, David will further William & Mary’s research horizons, advance academic collaboration and innovation and deliver a bold vision for the future of education at the university.”
Yalof received undergraduate and law degrees from University of Virginia, then earned a Ph.D. in political science from the Johns Hopkins University before spending more than two decades in Connecticut.
At the University of Connecticut, Yalof has been department head and professor of political science since 2013. Previously, he served as director of undergraduate studies in the political science department from 2011-13 and as the director of curriculum development and assessment in the office of the provost from 2005-07. He was also the senate faculty representative to UConn’s board of trustees from 2020-22.
“The University of Connecticut treated me very well, but Virginia has always been at the core of who I am,” said Yalof. His wife, Andrea Pierce Yalof, is a 1988 William & Mary alumna. “It feels like I’m finally coming home.”
Yalof will start in January 2023, assuming some of the duties of Steve Hanson, the former vice provost for academic and international affairs who stepped down in June. Hanson’s other duties were assumed by Teresa Longo, executive director of the Reves Center for International Studies, who was named associate provost for international affairs in July.
