Photo: A specialist in the history of higher education in the South, Tom Dyer first came to UGA as a graduate student in history. Photo by Paul Efland.
Photo: A specialist in the history of higher education in the South, Tom Dyer first came to UGA as a graduate student in history. Photo by Paul Efland.
By Beth Roberts
Thomas G. Dyer, professor of higher education and of history, has been named University Professor at UGA. The professorship recognizes faculty whose "actions as change-agents have improved the quality with which the university serves its missions."
"Tom Dyer has an excellent record in teaching, scholarship, service and university administration," says William F. Prokasy, vice president for academic affairs. "However, his role has also been that of university citizen, one who has significantly influenced institutional direction and policies, and for this he has earned the designation of, and is a superb choice for, University Professor."
Dyer first came to UGA as a graduate student in history, earning his Ph.D. in 1975. A specialist in the history of higher education in the South, he undertook a project for UGA's Institute of Higher Education, and then joined the faculty as an assistant professor.
In 1980, UGA President Fred Davison asked him to handle the planning for the university's 1985 bicentennial. Dyer directed the Office of Bicentennial Planning for five years and served as chairman of the bicentennial.
At the same time, Dyer was promoted to associate professor of higher education and history and also became associate vice president for academic affairs. In that position, in the wake of the crisis brought on by the Kemp trial, Dyer oversaw the reform of the relationship between the university and the athletic program.
Dyer suggested the university present an annual lecture about race relations in honor of UGA's first two black students, Charlayne Hunter and Hamilton Holmes, and he administered the Holmes-Hunter lecture program in its early years.
He also proposed, and then implemented, the minority- faculty hiring program at UGA.
Dyer calls his work on these programs "very gratifying. Many people in the university--especially Louise McBee and Charles Knapp--gave their full support."
Dyer left academic affairs in 1988 and served as associate vice president for services from 1989 to 1995. He was interested in bringing greater coherence to the relationship between UGA and its public-service efforts. He re-wrote the promotion guidelines for public-service faculty and spearheaded a successful effort to give public-service faculty status to extension agents.
S. Eugene Younts, vice president for public service and outreach, says that Dyer "raised the level of thinking about excellence in public service and outreach."
Dyer has continued teaching and research while filling these administrative positions. He teaches both undergraduate and graduate students--Georgia history and American social and intellectual history, and several courses in higher education for doctoral students.
He is the author of three books, including a history of UGA. His fourth, now in press, focuses on a Vermont woman living in Civil War Atlanta.
From 1982 to 1989, Dyer served as editor of the Georgia Historical Quarterly. He also chaired the editorial board for The New Georgia Guide.
Cameron Fincher, director of the Institute of Higher Educa-tion, notes that Dyer's joint appointment has required that he satisfy two different groups of colleagues, in the colleges of education and arts and sciences.
Russell Yeany, dean of education, says that the college "is fortunate to have someone of Dr. Dyer's caliber on our faculty, and we note with great pride the national distinction his work has brought to the university."
"I can imagine others being as well qualified," Fincher says, "but it is impossible to imagine anyone being better qualified."
Younts says that Dyer "is truly a professor for the entire scope of the university's educational mission. Certainly, he has earned the right to be University Professor. By naming him to this distinguished level, the university has enhanced the integrity and meaning of the title."
Dyer also has recently been appointed acting associate vice president for academic affairs, effective May 1. Once the new provost is appointed and has had the opportunity to fill the position, Dyer will return to his regular responsibilities.
Appointment as University Professor carries a permanent salary increase of $10,000 and a yearly academic support fund of $5,000.
