Melanie Bloom, Ph.D., Appointed Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences

Dr. Bloom, who has a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics from the University of Texas at Austin, first joined UNO in 2005 as an assistant professor of Spanish. She later served as chairperson of the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature, during which time the department received the 2016 University-wide Departmental Teaching Award (UDTA), a President’s Excellence Award recognizing sustained excellence in teaching. In 2020, Bloom was named Associate Dean for Humanities and Undergraduate Education in the College of Arts and Sciences. Bloom is also a recognized community leader serving as president of the board for World Speaks Omaha — a nonprofit organization that aims to connect the community through language access and advocacy — and as president of the Baright Public Library Board of Trustees.

“Dr. Bloom brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and vision to the College of Arts and Sciences. I am confident her leadership will further elevate our academic excellence,” said Phil He, Ph.D., Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. “I look forward to the innovative contributions and remarkable achievements that Dr. Bloom will undoubtedly bring to our academic community.”

Dr. Bloom has provided critically important leadership for the college over the last 18 months in her role as Interim Dean. Her appointment as Dean, pending final approval by the President and Board of Regents, will make her the first woman to lead the college in this role.

“I am grateful to have the opportunity to elevate the important work of the faculty, staff, and students in the College of Arts and Sciences,” said Dr. Melanie Bloom. “The future of the college is bright due to their passion and dedication.”