Noted historian and author becomes Pomona's new dean of the faculty.

Halfway into his first year as the leader of Pomona's faculty, Gary Kates says it is their extracurricular devotion to advancing the College that has made one of the strongest impressions on him.

"I am impressed with the loyalty of the faculty, especially regarding how hard they work on behalf of the College," he says. "Not only do they put in many hours with students outside of the classroom, but--despite their complaints--they are willing to stay late in the afternoon for the difficult and sometimes tedious committee work that nonetheless pushes the College forward. I am proud to be among them."

Kates was appointed dean of the college and vice president of academic affairs last spring, after serving as interim dean of arts and sciences and professor of history at Trinity University in San Antonio, where he had been a faculty member since 1980. His background as a leading scholar of the French Revolution, known for its intrigues and idealism, may be especially well suited for a position in which diplomacy often helps in striking a balance among competing interests.

Kates' best-known book, Monsieur d'Eon is a Woman: A Tale of Political Intrigue and Sexual Masquerade, was named one of the "Best Books of 1995" by the Knight-Ridder Tribune news service and has been published in four languages. As a faculty member at Trinity, he received a prestigious award for mentorship from the American Historical Association in 1999. He is the author of another distinguished book on 18th-century France and editor of a third.

At Pomona this fall, Kates has taught a Critical Inquiry Seminar course on sexual politics and the Enlightenment, another of his research interests. The Critical Inquiry Seminars are small, discussion-oriented classes on special interdisciplinary topics. First-year students are required to take one of the courses, which are taught by faculty from throughout the College.

"The best time I have had here so far has been the three-day workshop in June attended by faculty teaching in the Critical Inquiry first-year seminar program. What a great group!" Kates says.

Kates, described by College President Peter W. Stanley as "a person of warmth, candor and creativity," is a 1974 graduate of Pitzer College. He holds a doctorate from the University of Chicago.

The new dean succeeds Hans C. Palmer, W.M. Keck Distinguished Service Professor and former chair of the Economics Department. Palmer, who was dean of the college for three years, is on a yearlong sabbatical leave, during which he is pursuing research on the economics of health care. Afterward, he plans to return to the Economics Department to teach full time.

--Michael Balchunas