John McKnight will assume the role of dean of undergraduate student affairs in Dartmouth’s new School of Arts and Sciences on June 1, according to a campus-wide email sent by interim dean of arts and sciences Nina Pavcnik and interim dean of undergraduate student affairs Anne Hudak on Nov. 18, 2025.
McKnight, who currently serves as the vice president and dean of Haverford College, will oversee the Division of Undergraduate Student Affairs, including the Office of Residential Life and the Office of Student Life, according to Dartmouth News. In this role, he will join the School of Arts and Sciences, which was established on Nov. 13, 2024 by merging the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Division of Undergraduate Education and the Division of Undergraduate Student Affairs. In an email to campus announcing the new school, College President Sian Leah Beilock wrote that the change will make faculty advising and the undergraduate deans “part of one shop,” “allow for targeted investments in groundbreaking research” and improve undergraduate research opportunities.
In an email statement to The Dartmouth on Dec. 12, McKnight wrote that it is “still early to define precise long-term goals,” but he “broadly envision[s] deepening the integration of co-curricular learning into our academic fabric — a goal that aligns with the overall mission of the School of Arts and Sciences.” He emphasized the importance of “strong relationship-building across constituencies” such as students, faculty, administrators and other community members.
“Many of the foundational tools — like a clear commitment to dialogue — are already firmly in place at Dartmouth,” he continued. “Open and transparent communication is key, and I am committed to doing my part to promote a culture of openness, trust and collaboration.”
In separate email statements to The Dartmouth immediately after the announcement, Pavcnik and Hudak applauded McKnight for his work with students in his roles at other universities. Before his time at Haverford College, McKnight served as founding dean of institutional equity and inclusion at Connecticut College, according to his profile on Haverford College’s website.
McKnight is “very student-focused” and “quickly connected with students and other members of Dartmouth community during the search process,” Pavcnik wrote.
Hudak, who began her tenure as interim dean of undergraduate student affairs in July 2024, wrote that McKnight’s “student-centered focus and exceptional depth of experience across all areas of student life” will make him a “wonderful leader.”
“He’ll be joining a strong, caring student affairs team who will support him as he shapes the division’s long-term vision and strengthens the undergraduate student experience,” she added.
The search for the inaugural Dean of Arts and Sciences is still ongoing, according to College spokesperson Jana Barnello. Hudak wrote in a follow-up statement that she will remain at the College in another position after “supporting Dean McKnight with onboarding.”
Annabelle Zhang '27 is a reporter and editor from New Jersey. In the classroom, she studies Geography and Government modified with Philosophy and Economics. She enjoys creating recipes, solving puzzles and listening to music.
