Who Does What?

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The Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), Laird Boswell is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Graduate Program.

Graduate Program Advisor, Leslie Abadie counsels graduate students about departmental and Graduate School degree requirements for the various study programs. She directs students toward professors who can help to arrange appropriate course schedules, provides staff supervision of the assignment of teaching assistants, project assistantships and readerships, and coordinates special events and workshops sponsored by the Graduate Program. The Graduate Program Advisor sits as a member of the Graduate Council, JCOTA and the Diversity Committee.

Graduate Program Admissions and Fellowships Coordinator, Jane Williams guides the files of graduate program applicants through the admissions process. She also disseminates information on funding opportunities, helps to supervise the distribution of graduate fellowships, assistantships, and prizes, assists in managing the various funds of the graduate program, and sits on the Graduate Council and staffs the F&S Committee.

Payroll and Benefits Specialist, handles payroll and benefits matters related to graduate fellowships, scholarships, teaching assistantships, project assistantships, and readerships, and oversees the disbursement of graduate funds.

The Graduate Program Assistant provides administrative support for the Graduate Program. She assists both the Graduate Student Coordinator and the Graduate Admissions Administrator by preparing for Graduate Program and departmental meetings, processing mail, creating files and answering questions via phone, by e-mail and in person. She also arranges special lectures, workshops, and other events for graduate students, including orientation for first-time Teaching Assistants. She makes office assignments for the TAs and distributes keys and copy cards.

The History Department Graduate Program Project Assistant on Recruitment and Retention assists the graduate program staff on a variety of projects designed to enhance the recruitment and retention of graduate students (ranging from orientation to funding to curriculum to ongoing professional training), with an emphasis on issues of diversity. Christine Lamberson currently holds this position.

Department of History Library Liaison, Lisa Saywell, is the liaison librarian for the History Department. As the liaison, she can help you connect to historical resources on campus and elsewhere, put you in touch with librarians who can help with your specific information needs, and assist you with library questions when you are not sure where to turn.

How to Find Out More:

The best way to get more information about any and all of us and what we do is to come to talk with us. We’d love to see you! Appointments are usually not necessary, although during busy times each semester it may be a good idea to arrange for them. The DGS holds regular office hours during the semester for graduate program business.