A scholar who studies gender issues in Victorian-era literature will become dean of the Division of Humanities, Arts and Cultural Studies at the University of California, Davis. Elizabeth Langland, 50, currently a professor of English and recent associate dean at the University of Florida, will assume her new responsibilities on July 1. During Langland's nearly 25-year career as a professor, she has amassed significant teaching, research and administrative experience, the combination of which made her a prime candidate for the dean's position at UC Davis, say UC Davis officials. "Elizabeth Langland has an admirable mix of talents," said UC Davis Chancellor Larry N. Vanderhoef. "She is an accomplished scholar who also has broad and thoughtful perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing the humanities, arts and cultural studies. I am delighted that she has agreed to accept this responsibility." Langland says she is looking forward to her new role on campus. "I am delighted to be joining a university the caliber of Davis. I look forward to opportunities to work with a talented faculty, exceptional students and dedicated staff in humanities, arts, and cultural studies. And it is gratifying to have the chance to contribute to disciplines that have already demonstrated significant achievements and clearly have tremendous potential for even more accomplishments in the decades ahead," Langland said. She began her academic career in 1975 as an assistant professor at Vanderbilt University, where she helped found and direct the women's studies program. She later became chair of the English department at Converse College in South Carolina, rebuilding the department during her three years there. In 1985, she became an associate professor at the University of Florida, was promoted to full professor in 1990 and in 1995, became associate dean for faculty affairs for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. As associate dean, she held responsibility for areas including overseeing tenure and promotions at the college level, assigning faculty work loads, recruiting and retaining faculty and directing graduate policy. She is the author or editor of six books, including "Nobody's Angels: Middle-Class Women and Domestic Ideology in Victorian Culture," "Out of Bounds: Male Writers and Gender(ed) Criticism," "Anne Brontë: The Other One," and "Society in the Novel." Langland has two books in preparation, including "Negotiating Gender in Victorian Narrative." During her tenure at the University of Florida, she received a teacher-of-the-year award three times, and a Teaching Incentive Program award for teaching excellence in 1995. Last fall, she was recognized with a professorial excellence award for distinguished scholarly achievement as full professor. Langland received her undergraduate degree summa cum laude at Barnard College, and her master's degree and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, graduating with departmental honors.