Hugus to head International Programs

By Patrick J. Callahan, News Office

Frank R. Hugus

rank R. Hugus, head of the Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures, has been appointed interim director of the International Programs Office and interim associate provost for International Programs, effective Sept. 1. The open-ended appointment was made by Charlena Seymour, senior vice chancellor for Academic Affairs and provost. Hugus replaces Barbara B. Burn, who died in February.

     "I am delighted that professor Frank Hugus has agreed to serve the University in this important role," Seymour said.

     "Under Barbara Burn's leadership, UMass enjoyed a reputation as a leader of international education. I am confident that professor Hugus will continue this tradition."

     Lee R. Edwards, dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts, said the appointment of Hugus is an excellent choice. "Frank has a long-standing interest in international programs," Edwards said. "I'm sure he will do a splendid job in his new position."

     Hugus said, "A strong international focus is an important and integral component of every university. We at the University of Massachusetts Amherst have been very fortunate to have had a first-rate International Programs Office on our campus for many years under the dedicated leadership of Barbara B. Burn. I appreciate having the opportunity to be able to help build upon this success and I look forward to working with academic departments and programs across campus."

     Hugus has headed Germanic Languages and Literatures since 1991. He was secretary to the Faculty Senate from 1989 to 1991, and chaired the senate's Rules Committee in 1974 and in 1993-94. He was a member of that committee from 1993-1997 and has been again since 2000. He served as presiding officer of the senate from 1994 to 1997 and has served again in that capacity since 2000.

     Hugus joined the faculty in 1972 as an assistant professor of Danish and German. He earned his bachelor's degree in meteorology and a master's degree in German from Pennsylvania State University in 1963 and 1965, respectively. Hugus earned his doctorate in older Germanic literature in 1972 from the University of Chicago.