05/02/2024
By Joe Hartman

I am writing to provide an update on the search for the next Dean of the College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. After launching the process in March, the search committee has worked in partnership with search firm Isaacson, Miller to develop a strong pool of candidates. I am happy to report that we are ready to enter the next phase of the search, as the committee has identified the semi-finalists to be interviewed via Zoom during the week of May 6, with the goal of identifying finalists on or before May 9.

We plan to bring the finalists to campus the week of May 13. It is important that FAHSS faculty and staff have every opportunity to meet these candidates, so please keep this time frame in mind and try to keep these dates as open as possible on your calendars. More information will be available once we have narrowed down our list of finalists and have a schedule for campus visits.

I want to thank all the members of the search committee (below) and Dean Noureddine Melikechi and Vice Provost Julie Nash for serving as co-chairs.

FAHSS Dean Search Committee Members:

  • Co-Chair Noureddine Melikechi, Dean, Kennedy College of Sciences
  • Co-Chair Julie Nash, Vice Provost, Academic Affairs
  • Daniel Arroyo-Rodriquez, Assoc. Professor, World Languages and Cultures
  • Emily Byrne '02 '04, Executive Director, Advancement Operations & Strategic Initiatives
  • Padmini Chandrasekaran, Asst. Teaching Professor, Art and Design
  • Allison Estell, Dean, University Library
  • Nicholas Evans, Assoc. Professor and Chair, Philosophy
  • Robert Forrant, Professor, History
  • Debra-Nicole Huber, Director, Instrumental Music Outreach and Assoc. Director, University Bands
  • Claire Lee, Assoc. Professor, Criminology and Justice Studies
  • Joan Marchessault '00, Principal at Strategic Leadership Consulting Group, Advisory Board Member
  • Casey McCauley, Vice President, Academic Affairs, SGA, Undergraduate Criminal Justice Major
  • Carol McDonough, Professor, Economics and MSP President
  • Kevin Petersen, Assoc. Teaching Professor, English and Faculty Senate President
  • Rocio Rosales, Assoc. Professor, Psychology
  • Chandra Waring, Asst. Professor, Sociology
  • Robai Werunga, Asst. Professor, Education
  • Jenifer Whitten-Woodring, Dean of Honors College, Assoc. Professor, Political Science

I am extremely excited about our slate of candidates. As our priority remains finding the best candidate to serve as our next dean, please note that we are committed to keeping the search open until we identify the right person for this role.