New London — Mitchell College announced that it has recently welcomed Elizabeth Ann "Betsy" Beaulieu as vice president of academic affairs.

In this role, she will oversee all academic areas, including the Thames at Mitchell College program, Bentsen Learning Center and the Mystic Program.

Beaulieu previously was interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of New Haven, and before that was founding dean of the Core Division at Champlain College in Vermont and director of Women's Studies at Appalachian State University in North Carolina.

Beaulieu holds a Ph.D. in 20th century British and American literature from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, master's degrees from the University of York in England and from Georgetown University, and a bachelor's degree from Providence College. Her research focuses on contemporary female African-American writers.

"It is important to me to serve an institution committed to academic excellence, innovative pedagogy and robust student engagement," Beaulieu said in a news release. "Mitchell College has a solid foundation in all three, and I look forward to finding ways to collaborate, innovate and inspire."

Mitchell College President Tracy Espy said Beaulieu's experience in interdisciplinary collaboration and new program development aligns perfectly with the school's education model, and her leadership will be invaluable as Mitchell builds new areas of study.