Valparaiso University Appoints Dean to Christ College — The Honors College

Valparaiso University announces Jennifer Prough ’91, Ph.D., has been formally appointed dean of Christ College — The Honors College, effective today. Dean Prough served as interim dean in the 2017 – 2018 school year, and has continued to serve in that capacity since 2021. 

In her role as dean, Prough is responsible for the strategic leadership, coordination and guidance of Christ College. She also oversees all aspects of the College’s academic programs, operations, financial and faculty resources, strategic partnerships, student recruitment, and fundraising efforts in coordination with colleagues across the University. Dean Prough will work collaboratively with faculty and staff to create an academic, cultural, and physical environment conducive to scholarship, intellectual vitality, and learning.

“I am thrilled that Dr. Prough has agreed to be the Dean of Christ College. She has a deep knowledge of the culture and heritage of Christ College and a strong commitment to our students’ intellectual growth,” said Provost Eric W. Johnson. “Under her visionary leadership, I expect that Christ College will continue to be a leader in honors education across the country.”

Dean Prough has served in the President’s Council, Provost’s Council and Academic Leadership Council. She has been chair of the Christ College faculty and conducted supervisor oversight of the Lilly Fellows Program in Humanities and the Arts. Under her leadership as acting director of the Chinese and Japanese study programs, Dean Prough spearheaded changes that simplified and added flexibility to the curriculum. 

“It is a great honor to lead the college at this moment,” said Dean Prough. “I look forward to continuing to work with the Christ College faculty and staff to ensure the continued success of our unique community of learning. I am excited to work alongside the deans and administration to help shape the future of Valpo.”

As a professor, Dean Prough has taught on a variety of subjects including Japanese culture, Japanese media, philosophic questions surrounding advancements in robotics, and theChrist College First-Year Program. 

Dean Prough is a member of the National Collegiate Honors Council, the American Anthropological Association, the Association for Asian Studies and the Midwest Japan Seminar. Her work examining the Japanese entertainment and tourism industries have led her to present her findings internationally through conferences, workshops, and podcasts in addition to numerous articles, monographs, book chapters and reviews.