Dear colleagues,
I am grateful to college stakeholders who have participated in the engagement and discovery phase of the college’s divisional structure pilot. With this message, I am pleased to provide an update regarding searches for divisional deans and adjustments to the duties of associate deans.
Divisional Dean Searches
Searches for the college’s three new divisional dean positions will begin later this month. You can find a list of the divisional deans’ primary responsibilities on the divisional structure pilot website.
Department heads in each division will report directly to their divisional dean. They will collaborate with the divisional dean in preparing the division's annual budget request and in developing and implementing faculty affairs policies and procedures that support the faculty’s central role as scholar-teachers in the mission of the college and the university.
Divisional deans will report to the executive dean and will be full participants in the college’s senior leadership team. The composition of the divisional dean search committees will be posted on the divisional structure pilot website soon. Divisional deans will begin their duties on July 1.
Reorganization: Associate Dean for Research and Facilities Portfolio
From the feedback gathered in the last several weeks and after consultation with Larry McKay, I have decided to split the role of associate dean for research and facilities into two associate dean positions: one for facilities and infrastructure and one for research and creative activity. Our college has a large space and facilities footprint, and our faculty and students pursue wide-ranging research and creative activities. Having more focused associate dean roles will better serve our college.
The associate dean for facilities and infrastructure will have primary responsibility for space and facilities management, renovation, and improvements, and will represent the interests of the college and its units as the campus implements its new Master Plan.
The associate dean for research and creative activity will have primary responsibility for promoting and facilitating research, scholarship, and creative activity by the college’s faculty and students, and will be charged with developing a college research office to support faculty and students. An internal search for the associate dean for research and creative activity will be announced later this semester.
The College of Arts and Sciences is a thriving center of discovery with nationally ranked programs; we prepare our students to become engaged leaders and global citizens.
I am committed to working with you to build on these successes, grow our college, and strengthen the experience of every student, staff, and faculty member who is part of our community. Your thoughtfulness, dedication, and energy are what give our college such a bright future.
Sincerely,
RJ Hinde
Interim Executive Dean
