Michael A. Elliott, dean of Emory College of Arts and Sciences since 2017, will be the next president of Amherst College, a private liberal arts college in Amherst, Massachusetts.

Elliott joined the Emory University faculty in 1998, after earning his PhD from Columbia University and his BA from Amherst College. He will begin serving as Amherst’s 20th president on Aug. 1.

As dean of Emory College, Elliott has led Emory’s core undergraduate division of more than 5,600 students and 570 faculty members. During his nearly 25 years at Emory and six years leading the College, Elliott has amplified the liberal arts and sciences while advancing Emory College’s excellence in research, teaching and experiential learning.

“Michael Elliott has been an outstanding leader at Emory because of his profound commitment to our students and faculty, and to the important role the arts and sciences have today,” says Emory President Gregory L. Fenves. “Even as the leader of Emory College, he showed the traits of all great professors — curiosity, inspiration and ambition. I know he will elevate Amherst College and make significant contributions to his alma mater.”  

From developing Emory College’s strategic plan, “Leading the Liberal Arts and Sciences,” in 2017, to co-leading the launch of the university’s new Student Flourishing initiative this year, Elliott has made major strides in faculty diversity and eminence, undergraduate liberal arts education, philanthropic support and recruitment of top students.

“I have truly enjoyed working with Michael as a colleague, campus leader and collaborator, especially on our university-wide initiatives to invest in faculty eminence and student flourishing. Michael has given so much of himself to Emory College and Emory as a whole to help us become more excellent, more inclusive and more successful,” says Emory Provost Ravi V. Bellamkonda. “Although we are all sorry to say farewell, I’m thrilled for him to be offered this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lead his alma mater. The fact that members of our leadership team are sought after to take the helm at other great institutions is not only a tribute to the individual, but a clear sign that others recognize Emory’s strong vision and leadership in academia.”