Dr. Joan Griffin California Lutheran University has named Joan L. Griffin of Minneapolis as the new dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

"Dr. Griffin's appointment is an important step forward for the college, and she will be a crucial addition to CLU's academic leadership team," said Provost Chris Kimball.

Griffin began her duties at CLU on Aug. 1.

She served as the associate dean for general education at Augsburg College since 2005 and has taught English at the college since 1986. She took on several leadership roles at Augsburg, including serving 15 years on the faculty senate, helping to guide the honors program and co-writing the college's vision statement.

Griffin earned a doctorate and master's degree in Celtic languages and literatures from Harvard University after receiving her bachelor's degree in English and American literature from Washington University in St. Louis, Mo. She's taught courses in medieval literature, British works and composition.