Christine Himes

A message from Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs Alan Cramb:

Please join me in welcoming Christine Himes as the new dean of Illinois Tech’s Lewis College of Human Sciences. Himes, who is currently Chair and Maxwell Professor of Sociology at Syracuse University, will be joining the university on July 1, 2014.

“I’m excited to be joining Illinois Tech and to be leading Lewis College of Human Sciences,” said Himes. “While much effort has been put into training leaders in the development of new technology, I believe it is equally important to train leaders who understand the role technology plays in our everyday lives and in shaping society more broadly. In that regard, Lewis College at Illinois Tech is poised to play an important role in educating students who will be the creative innovators of the future.”

Himes, who joined Syracuse in 1995 as an assistant professor of sociology, is the former Director of the Center for Policy Research at the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. She has published numerous papers on the demography of aging, obesity and health, and family caregiving; serves on the Board of Scientific Counselors for the National Center for Health Statistics; and is a Fellow of the Gerontological Society of America.

“We are indeed fortunate to have a scholar of Christine’s caliber in the dean’s position at our new Lewis College of Human Sciences,” said Cramb. “There has never been a better time to study the social sciences, humanities, and psychology at a technology-focused research university, and Christine will bring innovative, collaborative, and creative leadership to these important academic areas.”

Himes received her Ph.D. in Sociology and Demography, and her Master’s degree in Demography, from the University of Pennsylvania. Her B.A in Russian language and B.S. in Industrial Management are from Purdue University.

“I’d like to also thank Interim Dean M. Ellen Mitchell for her contributions to and leadership of Lewis College and the psychology programs here at Illinois Tech,” said Cramb.

In 1995, Mitchell was chosen as the first director of the Institute of Psychology and later became dean of the College of Psychology. She was also instrumental in helping to create the Center for Research and Service, the Leadership Academy, and the Kedge program. Mitchell said she is optimistic about the future for Lewis College. “At a university known for its technological acumen, Lewis reminds us that considering the human implications of technological advances must always be at the forefront of our endeavors.”