The American Dialect Society is pleased to announce its new Executive Secretary — Professor Julie Roberts of the University of Vermont.

Professor Roberts has been a long time member of the American Dialect Society, having served on its executive council and the editorial board of its journal American Speech, and having presented papers and organized panels for its annual meetings.

She is a leading scholar in the field of dialectology and sociolinguistics, with a focus on Vermont dialects and child dialect variation. Her publications appear in the major journals of the field, including American Speech.

Professor Roberts has extensive administrative experience, having served as president of the faculty senate of the University of Vermont, the Faculty Union (United Academics), for which she has served as Vice President and Chief Negotiator of the bargaining team.

Among Professor Roberts’ many accomplishments is her creation of the linguistics program and major at the University of Vermont, which is currently seeking departmental status, and her many initiatives in outreach and continuing education.

Julie welcomes the opportunity to bring her two professional priorities — dialectology and service — to the American Dialect Society.

She replaces Allan Metcalf, who has been the society’s executive secretary for decades, and who leaves with many thanks and much appreciation.

See the original job posting to learn more about the society’s executive secretary role.