Danielle Battisti Announced as New Associate Dean of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Academic Affairs

Danielle Battisti, Ph.D., has been announced as the new Associate Dean of Social Sciences, Humanities, and Academic Affairs for the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s College of Arts and Sciences.

Battisti joined the Department of History at UNO in 2012. She most recently served as associate professor and department chair, in addition to her previous experience as graduate program chair. Across the university, she has contributed her expertise in faculty roles within International Studies, Latino/Latin American Studies and the Honors Program.

“Dr. Battisti brings a rare combination of strategic vision, innovative thinking, and proven leadership to the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office,” said College of Arts and Sciences Dean Melanie Bloom, “Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a commitment to strengthening the humanities and social sciences through creative programming, enrollment initiatives, public engagement, and collaborative leadership. Her experience leading the Department of History, contributing to UNO's general education reform efforts, and developing grant-funded initiatives that connect the university with the broader community positions her exceptionally well to help shape the future of the College of Arts and Sciences. I am excited to welcome her to the dean's leadership team."

Battisti received her B.A. from Colgate University and Ph.D. from SUNY-Buffalo. She is an expert in immigration and ethnic history, and has published widely on the evolution of U.S. immigration laws and policy. Her first book, “Whom We Shall Welcome: Italian Americans and Immigration Reform” (Fordham University Press, 2019) won a major award from the Immigration and Ethnic Society in 2020. Most recently she coedited and contributed to the anthology, “Hidden Histories of Unauthorized European Migration to the United States” (University of Illinois Press, April 2025) alongside Dr. S. Deborah Kang.

In addition to her research and teaching, Battisti has also attained numerous grants during her time at the university, including two major awards from the Mellon Foundation to support community-engaged teaching and student success.

“In the past fourteen years at UNO, I have worked with so many talented people — both within the department of history and beyond,” said Battisti. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to play a new role in supporting the amazing work that faculty, staff, and students do in our college every day.”