Michael J. Hennessy takes over as dean of College of Liberal Arts

By Ann Friou
University News Service
August 22, 2011

Michael J. Hennessy took over as dean of the College of Liberal Arts at Texas State University-San Marcos Aug. 1. He replaces Ann Marie Ellis, who retired after serving as dean for 11 years.

Hennessy, who holds a Ph.D. from Marquette University, joined the Texas State faculty in 1980 and was promoted to professor in 1987. From 1993 to 2003, he directed the lower-division studies program in the English department, then served for two years as associate dean in the College of Liberal Arts before chairing the English department 2005-2011.

A widely respected teacher and scholar, Hennessy has twice won the Everette Swinney Award for Excellence in Teaching. In 2001 he was named a Piper Professor. His publications include chapters, articles, and essays on the work of James Joyce, W. H. Auden, Charles Tomlinson and other 20th-century British and American poets. He is also author of three widely adopted textbooks: The Borzoi Handbook for Writers (with Frederick Crews and Sandra Schor), The Borzoi Practice Book for Writers and The Random House Practice Book.

Hennessy received the Presidential Award for Excellence in Service in 1999. He was the Liberal Arts representative to the General Education Council for 12 years and was appointed in 2002 to the Presidential Task Force on Strategic Planning. He has served as president of the campus chapter of the Texas Faculty Association.