Emily Chamlee-Wright, whose passion for the empowering nature of the liberal arts education has defined her tenure as Washington College’s provost and dean, will become the new president and CEO of the Institute for Humane Studies at George Mason University.

Chamlee-Wright, who earned her BA, MA, and PhD in economics from George Mason, will return to Virginia in November to assume her new position at the non-profit institute, which is dedicated to advancing research and education in the classical liberal tradition. Founded in 1961 by Dr. F. A. “Baldy” Harper, a former economics professor at Cornell University, the institute is devoted to interdisciplinary inquiry on human affairs and the principles of a free society, with the belief that such inquiry will foster peace, prosperity, and social harmony.

“There is much that connects me to IHS, including my direct experience as a summer seminar participant, my teaching in the undergraduate seminars, and my mentoring of graduate students in the IHS network,” Chamlee-Wright says. “Among the things that I find most inviting about this opportunity is IHS’s core value of curiosity. IHS is an organization dedicated to the life of the mind, valuing learning and growth, no matter its source.

“This core value of intellectual curiosity, and its necessary companions, humility and respect, are part of the DNA of Washington College. I am deeply grateful to have worked with our extraordinary faculty and staff who perform small miracles of transformation with our students every day. I am also grateful for the opportunity to work with and learn from President Bair, whose vision is to ensure that these transformational miracles are within every student’s financial reach.”

Chamlee-Wright assumed her role as Washington College’s dean and provost in 2012. The College will conduct a national search for her replacement. In the meantime, Associate Provost Patrice DiQuinzio will serve as interim provost, while Andrea Lange, assistant dean for academic initiatives and advisor for the pre-law program, will step in as associate provost.

“Few people on Washington College’s campus are as valued and respected as Emily Chamlee-Wright, whose energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to this institution have been evident in every element of her work here,” says College President Sheila Bair. “While we will miss her, we congratulate her on this wonderful opportunity that will allow her to share her leadership, expertise, and passion for the emancipating power of education with the rest of the country.”

Among her many contributions during her four years in Chestertown, Chamlee-Wright was a chief architect of the College’s Strategic Plan, which was adopted in 2014. Chamlee-Wright also guided the College through a successful re-accreditation process with the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. She has published six books, including the edited volume Liberal Learning and the Art of Self-Governance in 2015.