Shakespearean literature and chemistry are on two opposing ends of the collegiate spectrum, yet both of these subjects are classified under the College of Arts and Sciences.

And for the newly appointed Arts and Sciences Dean, Dr. Simon Morgan-Russell, such broad-reaching fields of study are just another day in the classroom.

Receiving his B.A. in English and American literature at the University of Kent at Canterbury, UK and his M.A. and Ph.D. in English literature, specializing in English Renaissance Drama, at Lehigh University, Morgan-Russell’s scientific background tends to fade into the background.

“In England, when you are smart and a boy, you are pushed toward science and math,” he said. “All through school I was a scientist, and I got into university originally to do chemistry.”

Morgan-Russell decided to take a couple years to work in a laboratory before attending the University of Kent. During that time, he decided upon literature as path of choice.

“I am still interested in science,” Morgan-Russell said. “I am a fan of a liberal education.”

Previously, Morgan-Russell brought his diverse talents to other areas of the University, where he has worked for the past 15 years. Within the English department, he served as an Undergraduate Advisor, Assistant Chair and Chair.

In 2005, he held the position of Associate Dean for Curriculum and Faculty Advancement and was asked to serve as the Interim Dean of Arts and Sciences. On Feb. 2, Morgan-Russell was officially instated as the Dean of Arts and Sciences.

“Dr. Morgan-Russell has provided outstanding service to the college and the University, and I am pleased he accepted the position,” President Carol Cartwright said in a release. “The College of Arts and Sciences plays a role in nearly every aspect of the BGSU educational experience, and I look forward to continuing excellence under his direction.”

For his next five years as dean, Morgan-Russell has a big vision for his college and plans to work hard toward advancing academics.

At the top of his list are finding ways to rebuild the faculty after numerous recent cutbacks and making sure old buildings and classrooms get fixed and properly equipped to adequately educate students.

Morgan-Russell also feels strongly that the distribution model for courses in the College of Arts and Sciences should be adapted to keep University students at the forefront of current academia.

“A lot of faculty members feel there isn’t enough emphasis placed upon academics,” he said, “but the reason the University exists is to educate people. Other things are important, but mainly the University is here to show people that there is a much richer world out there than their own experiences. That is what a university should be about.”

When first accepting the job as an assistant professor at the University, Morgan-Russell said he wanted to find a way to get out as soon as possible, preferring life in England and on the East Coast to the Midwest.

However, 15 years later, the University has grown on the Yorkshire native, so much so that he recently passed up an opportunity to take a job elsewhere.

“I realized how hard it would be to leave Bowling Green,” he said.

Although leaving the University may not be on Morgan-Russell’s horizon, getting back to his roots hopefully is.

“I really miss teaching,” he said. “The thing that persuaded me to take working at a university, working with undergraduate students, I now don’t do. One day I’d like to go back to that.”