Vanderbilt taps pollster as Arts and Science dean

Vanderbilt University political science professor John Geer — one of the state’s most prominent pollsters — has been named dean of the VU College of Arts and Science.

Geer (pictured) will begin a five-year term on July 1, pending approval of the university’s board of trust, according to a release. He will succeed Kamal Saggi, who has served as interim dean of the College of Arts and Science since January. Saggi holds the Frances and John Downing Family Chair and continued to serve as dean of social sciences in Arts and Science while interim dean of the college.