Sara Hottinger has been named the new dean of University College at Coastal Carolina University, effective July 1.

Hottinger comes from Keene State College in New Hampshire, where she was serving as interim dean of the School of Arts and Humanities. She has a Ph.D. in feminist studies with concentrations in the history and philosophy of mathematics. She earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics and women's studies from Beloit College in 1998.

"Dr. Hottinger has served as an associate dean, assistant dean and department chair and is currently a professor of women's and gender studies," said Ralph Byington, provost and executive vice president at CCU. "With her background, she is well positioned to lead University College and the Honors Program. She understands the importance of our learning resource centers and the support structure that University College provides for our students."

"University College is home to innovative academic programs that support Coastal Carolina students as they navigate the university and explore their passions and interests," said Hottinger. "I am excited to join the University College faculty and staff in this important work and to think about how we can collectively develop ways to partner with other colleges and departments across campus to build upon our core programs, develop more interdisciplinary programs, and ensure that Coastal Carolina students continue to have the opportunity to engage in innovative, intellectual inquiry, leading to meaningful professional lives once they graduate."

Hottinger is an interdisciplinary scholar whose research interests include feminist epistemology, cultural studies of science, and the history and philosophy of mathematics. Her publications include the book "Inventing the Mathematician Gender, Race, and Our Cultural Understanding of Mathematics" (2016, Albany, N.Y.: SUNY Press).

University College works to develop those skills that will ensure a successful transition from high school to college for all incoming students, as well as continue to provide academic assistance and experiential learning opportunities for students throughout their college career. The College strives to give special attention to students who haven't decided on their majors yet, as well as to support those individuals who are pursuing uniquely interesting and tailored interdisciplinary degrees. University College also houses the University Honors Program fostering intellectual curiosity for highly motivated and academically-gifted students.