Professor Tim Dean has been named the Frank Hodgins Chair in American Literature.
With the named position, Dean is being recognized as a leading scholar in the fields of American literature, queer theory, psychoanalytic theory, and poetics. Dean has been described as a luminary, having published and edited numerous influential books, collections, and scholarly articles and book chapters across disciplines. In addition to his notable scholarly output, he has been recognized as an outstanding teacher and mentor.
He previously held the title of James M. Benson Professor in English. This new appointment honors his continued dedication to advancing the field and the extent to which his work has strengthened the reputation of the Department of English and the University of Illinois.