Dr. Donal Skinner, who led the honors programs at Ohio University and the University of Wyoming, has joined The University of Texas at Dallas as dean of the Hobson Wildenthal Honors College, effective Jan. 17. UT Dallas’ reputation in the academic community, especially within the science, technology, engineering and math fields, attracted Skinner to UTD. “As a previous honors college dean, Dr. Skinner had a strong record of recruiting honors students and fundraising to increase students’ curricular and experiential opportunities. Skinner’s appointment follows a national search by a committee of UT Dallas faculty, staff and other stakeholders. The Honors College, established in 2014, houses 12 programs, including the Collegium V Honors and National Merit Scholars programs, dedicated to promoting excellence in undergraduate education.