Shawn Smallman, Professor of International and Global Studies at Portland State University, was named Interim Dean of the College of Urban and Public Affairs (CUPA).
Shortly after receiving his Master’s and Ph.D. in History from Yale University, Smallman joined Portland State in 1996 as an assistant professor in International Studies and University Studies. He has served in various leadership roles while at PSU including Director of the International Studies program, Vice Provost for Instruction and Dean of Undergraduate Studies, and Chair of the Department of International and Global Studies.
“Shawn Smallman’s administrative experience and deep commitment to the values that have defined CUPA make him an excellent person to step into this important leadership role,” said Susan Jeffords, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs.
“I am excited to step into this position given CUPA’s critical role supporting PSU’s motto `Let knowledge serve the city,’” said Smallman. “I believe that my past experience as the Dean of Undergraduate Studies — and department chair within CUPA — will help me to grow the college’s enrollment, develop hybrid degrees at the graduate level, and better integrate the centers and institutes with academic units.”
In addition to his leadership roles at Portland State, Smallman co-authored An Introduction to International and Global Studies with professor Kim Brown, which is in its third edition; and has written three other books, Dangerous Spirits: The Windigo in Myth and History, The AIDS Pandemic in Latin America, and Fear and Memory in the Brazilian Army and Society, 1889-1954.
Smallman’s research often focuses on the history, culture and politics of Latin and South America; and he has recently undertaken field work researching avian influenza in Southeast Asia. In addition to teaching introductory classes to International and Latin American Studies, Smallman also teaches classes on the Amazon RainForest, Digital Globalization, Cyberwar and Espionage, Modern Brazil and the Global Drug Trade.
“CUPA is not only a college, but also part of the fabric of this city and state,” said Smallman. “I am proud of how our centers, institutes and programs provide cutting edge research and education critical to helping our community.”
CUPA Interim Dean Sy Adler retired this spring, after 41 years at Portland State University. Smallman was appointed to the position on June 16, replacing Acting Dean Laura Hickman, who will resume her role as Associate Dean.