VCU news

By Mike Porter

Scott C. Breuninger, Ph.D., has been named dean of the Virginia Commonwealth University Honors College effective July 1. Breuninger currently serves as director of the University Honors Program and associate professor of history at the University of South Dakota. 

“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Breuninger to VCU,” said Gail Hackett, Ph.D., provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at VCU. “His leadership at USD has resulted in significant progress and I’m confident that he and the dynamic team of faculty, staff and students of the VCU Honors College will work together to achieve even greater success.”

In his current position, which he has held since 2011, Breuninger has been instrumental in advancing the honors program through curriculum redesign, fundraising initiatives and partnerships with faculty and programs throughout the university. Under his leadership, enrollment in the honors program grew by 48%, while the 4-year completion rate reached 52%. Prior to joining USD as assistant professor of history, he held assistant professor positions at Temple University and Concordia College.

“I am excited about joining the talented faculty and staff of the Honors College and building upon the strong curricular and co-curricular opportunities that define the honors experience at VCU,” Breuninger said. “I’m especially drawn to the potential of strengthening the college’s connections to the greater RVA community to provide the diverse and transformative experiences that students need to be successful and active members of civil society.”

Breuninger holds a B.A. in European history and psychology from Bucknell University, and both a M.A. and Ph.D. in European history from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Jacqueline Smith-Mason, Ph.D., will continue to serve as interim dean until Breuninger arrives.