ORONO — Leslie A. Flemming, an administrator and professor at the University of Arizona, has been named dean of the University of Maine College of Arts and Sciences. She will assume her new duties Sunday, July 1.

A South Asian and Middle East scholar, Flemming will head the seven-department college, which is made up of English, history, philosophy, foreign languages, art, theater/dance and music. Her appointment by the UM board of trustees also includes the position of professor of foreign languages.

A graduate of Carleton College in Northfield, Minn., Flemming earned her master’s degree in Indian studies and her doctorate in Indian languages and literatures at the University of Wisconsin.

John Witt, vice president for academic affairs at UM, describes Flemming as bringing a rich blend of scholarly and administrative experience to the Orono campus.

Flemming, her husband, John Flemming Jr., and three children, will move to the Orono area.