New Humanities dean arrives in February

Mt. Hood’s newly hired Dean of Humanities, Sara Rivara, is set to assume her position on Feb. 1, according to Christie Plinski, vice president of instruction and student services.

Rivara comes from Michigan, where she has been a writing and literature instructor at Kalamazoo Valley Community College. She was unable to begin at Mt. Hood in the fall term due to previous personal obligations, Plinski said.

Jim Kline has served as temporary Humanities dean since September, and will now make way for Rivara.

Mt. Hood hasn’t had a permanent Dean of Humanities since Ursula Irwin, using a series of interim leaders until now.

No official word on Rivara’s arrival has come from MHCC administrators. President Debbie Derr is expected to soon formally announce her new role.

Besides exhibiting a passion for English and literature, Rivara is a published poet and talented singer skilled in opera.

She most recently sang mezzo-soprano with the Aspire Ensemble Vocal Quartet, while in Michigan.

Rivara earned high marks from her Kalamazoo students.

According to ratemyprofessor.com, Rivara is a great instructor with a very open personality.

“I love her… She’s the best teacher by far I’ve ever had! She’s beyond helpful and understanding especially when you’re having a hard time writing or reading something,” said one reviewer in 2012.

Another reviewer said, “She may offend some of the lighthearted, but she can be funny and sometimes nice. She will really help you understand how to dissect literature (yours and others) and possibly a bit of yourself. She is a really cool and fun teacher. Highly recommended.”

Rivara’s book of poems, titled “Lake Effect,” is currently available on Amazon.com.