College of Arts and Sciences Newsroom

Versalle "Verb" Washington, a lecturer in the department of history at the University of Dayton, has been named an assistant dean in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Washington will begin his new role June 1. He succeeds Tim Wilbers, who will return to the department of art and design faculty after nine years as assistant dean where he advised thousands of students.

Washington, who retired as a colonel in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers after 30 years of service, is a decorated veteran who did combat tours in both the Persian Gulf War and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He received the Bronze Star Medal twice, and also received the Legion of Merit.

Washington joined the University faculty in 2010 and his primary research interest is the African-American military experience. Previously, he was a professor of military science and chair of the department of military science at UD from 2003-2007. Washington also has served on the history faculty at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

At UD, Washington has advised the College on minority student recruitment efforts. He also mentors students through the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

Washington holds both a master’s and a doctorate degree in history from Ohio State University.

- Dave Larsen, communication coordinator, College of Arts and Sciences