Honoring outstanding faculty service

By Karina Valdes 03-18-2026

Since arriving at the University of Miami in 1980, Daniel L. Pals, professor of religious studies and history at the College of Arts and Sciences, has built a reputation not only as a respected scholar of religion but also as a trusted leader who steps forward whenever the institution needs steady guidance. His dedication is being honored by the University of Miami Faculty Senate with the James W. McLamore Outstanding Service Award, which recognizes service above and beyond the call of duty by a member of the University community.

"I often think of him as 'professor interim' because he has been in demand over the years to fill some difficult posts," said John Paul Russo, professor and chair of the Department of Classics.

Over the years, Pals has served in a range of administrative roles, including interim dean and senior associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences; interim chair of the Departments of Theatre Arts, History, Art and Art History, and International Studies; and, more recently, interim chair of the Department of Writing Studies.

"Pals was and still is chief troubleshooter in the College of Arts and Sciences and beyond, enormously respected by both faculty and administration, capable of being put in the hot seat or of filling a vacuum at a moment's notice; he is always ready to serve," Russo shared.

What makes him effective in these roles, colleagues say, is not simply experience but temperament. In meetings that might otherwise become tense or divided, Pals is known for his ability to listen carefully and help faculty members find common ground. His approach to leadership is rooted in patience, collegiality, and thoughtful dialogue.

"For me, the key to administration has been to learn how to not talk but instead to listen," Pals said. "A conversation with a colleague or a department that may have an issue to share does not involve talking, then waiting until I can talk again. It requires active, intent listening, and only then seeking to offer a thoughtful response that moves us to a shared understanding."

That philosophy has allowed him to help departments find clarity and direction during difficult moments.

"Pals, by his example alone, has been able to lower the tension, to assuage the abrasive spirits, and to lead people to a higher ground where they have a much better view of the issues. He never fails to remind us that the interests of the students and the University as a whole are at stake," Russo added.

Beyond leadership roles, Pals has contributed extensively to the broader academic community through committee work, mentoring, and service initiatives. His University service includes participation on the Provost's Academic Personnel Board, promotion and tenure committees, and numerous search committees.

"My intent always is that institutions work best and people most often flourish not when they center their thinking on 'what's wrong' and look to pass along blame, but when they decide, whatever the circumstance, to think affirmatively, and ask how things can be made better," Pals reflected.

His commitment to the University's academic mission extends equally to the classroom.

An award-winning professor, Pals has inspired generations of students to explore the intellectual study of religion. While at the University, he has earned numerous awards, including Interfraternity Council Professor of the Year, Freshman Teaching Award, and Summer Teaching Award.

"​​There are moments when University teaching reminds me of how fortunate I am to be in a profession where I can help students travel the fascinating path of intellectual self-discovery," Pals said.

Pals's interest in the study of religion began during his early college years while learning about western history and the classical languages, Greek and Latin. He became particularly fascinated in the culture, politics, architecture, and social life of early Hebrew culture and the civilizations of Greece and Rome.

"The more I read," Pals said, "the more I began to see how, invariably, these cultural endeavors were rooted in religion. To understand human life and history, one needs to understand how deep underneath the surface of life people are shaped, even when they don't think about it, by the religious culture within which they are born, live, and die."

That insight led him to pursue a Master of Arts and a Ph.D. in history of religious thought at the University of Chicago.

After more than 40 years building a remarkable career that has shaped the University through leadership, scholarship, mentorship, and a commitment to service, Pals' dedication has left an indelible mark.

"I hope my legacy can be a simple, and perhaps obvious, one: that truly good things-even great things-can be accomplished if students, scholars, and scientists of good will genuinely seek to collaborate with each other," he shared.

Pals will be honored during the Faculty Senate Awards Ceremony at the Kislak Center at the University of Miami on March 23. Learn more about the awards.

This profile is part of a 2025-2026 Faculty Senate Awards series recognizing all awardees.