biography

Marion W. Roydhouse, Ph.D., has served as dean of the School of Liberal Arts (formerly known as General Studies) at Philadelphia University since 1999. With the University since 1984, she formerly served as interim dean of the School of General Studies and taught History and General Studies as an assistant professor. Before coming to Philadelphia University, Dr. Roydhouse taught American Civilization and History at the University of Pennsylvania, St. Joseph's University, the University of Delaware and Rutgers University.

Among her accomplishments is the design of an integrated approach between professional development and the liberal arts in the General Studies program at Philadelphia University. Dr. Roydhouse's research focus is diverse, ranging from black history and feminism to improvement of teaching and the social implications of economic development. She has produced more than 30 scholarly articles and presentations. Her work has appeared in The Dictionary of the Black Theatre, Dictionary of Afro-American Slavery, The Encyclopedia of Southern Culture, Journal of Southern History, The Public Historian, The South is Another Land and Sisterhood and Solidarity: Education Programs For Women Workers.

Most recently, Dr. Roydhouse investigated the impact of the YWCA movement on labor reform. She has been active in the Southern Historical Association, the Balch Institute Press Editorial Board and the Academic Advisory Board and the Philadelphia Alliance for Teaching Humanities.

Dr. Roydhouse received a Ph.D. from Duke University and M.A. and B.A. degrees from the University of Canterbury in her native New Zealand.