Brigham Young University Academic Vice President Justin Collings has appointed two new deans: Christopher “Chip” Oscarson in the College of Humanities and Diane Reich in the College of Fine Arts and Communications.
Both deans begin their tenures on July 1.
Oscarson comes into this new role after serving as an associate dean of Undergraduate Education since May 2020. He will succeed Scott Miller, the outgoing dean, after a 10-year term.
Oscarson also works as a professor of Scandinavian studies and interdisciplinary humanities. He originally joined the BYU faculty in 2005.
“I believe that Chip has been uniquely prepared to lead the College of Humanities during a pivotal season of our history in which this college will need to play an integral and prominent role,” Collings said. “He has the qualities of head and heart that would make him a great dean in any season but especially in ‘such a time as this.’ I am grateful to Chip for his willingness to serve, and I look forward to working with him in our common project of becoming the BYU of prophecy and helping the College of Humanities shine its unique light into the disciplines and into the world.”
During his time at BYU, Oscarson has contributed significantly to the International Cinema and is the managing co-editor of a three-volume history of Nordic literature. He also studies environmental humanities, a discipline that seeks to conduct interdisciplinary research in current environmental issues.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in comparative literature from BYU. He completed his PhD in Scandinavian studies and film studies from the University of California, Berkeley.
Reich replaces Ed Adams, who has been serving as the dean since 2015.
Reich is currently the director of the School of Music and a professor of voice. She has previously taught at and been the director of opera at Central Washington University.
“Diane is a devoted teacher and committed university citizen, as well as a gifted musician,” Collings said. “Her leadership is marked by poise, resolution, compassion, and good judgment. Above all, she is deeply committed to the prophetic mission of BYU generally and to the prophetic vision for the arts specifically.”
Reich earned doctoral and master’s degrees from Indiana University in vocal performance and has appeared in many major operatic roles. She has performed concerts and recitals throughout the world.
She won first place in the Vera Scammon International S.O.S. Voice Competition and was a Metropolitan Opera Auditions Utah and Indiana District winner multiple times.
Reich’s research endeavors have led her to be a leading authority on the vocal music of contemporary composer Henry Mollicone.
"I am immensely grateful for the consecrated service of Dean Scott Miller and Dean Ed Adams, each of whom has led his college for ten years,” Collings said. “Dean Miller has led the College of Humanities with warmth and wit, passion and pluck. Above all, his leadership has been humane, in the deep sense in which the restored gospel allows us to understand that term. Dean Adams has led the College of Fine Arts and Communications with kindness, compassion, vision, and energy. He is a gentle giant and a Christlike leader. Both of these great deans have forged legacies that will bless BYU students for generations to come."
