We are pleased to announce that Dr. Lucille Toth will serve as Interim Director of the Newark Earthworks Center, effective July 1.
Dr. Toth brings thoughtful, steady leadership and a strong record of collaborative, institution-wide engagement. As an Associate Professor of French and Francophone Studies, her work centers on community-engaged research, with a focus on equity, belonging, and institutional culture. Across her leadership roles—including chairing the University Senate Diversity Committee and the Senate ad hoc committee on Campus Culture, Community, and Climate—she has demonstrated a clear ability to guide complex initiatives and move ideas into action.
She also brings substantial experience in fostering meaningful partnerships beyond the university. As founder and artistic director of On Board(hers), an international, community-based dance initiative, she has cultivated sustained collaborations with immigrant and refugee communities while amplifying underrepresented voices through both scholarship and public programming.
In this interim role, Dr. Toth will focus on sustaining the Center’s strong momentum, supporting its ongoing work, and strengthening relationships across campus and community partners. She will be working closely with Marti Chaatsmith and Megan Cromwell and will be reaching out soon to members of the Faculty Oversight Committee and the Community Advisory Board to ensure continuity and shared direction.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Toth to this role and in supporting her leadership of the Newark Earthworks Center.