In light of the recently announced hiring freeze and COVID-19 impact on University operations, the search for the first dean of the University of Delaware’s new Graduate College has transitioned to an internal process, University Provost Robin Morgan announced today.

The Graduate College was established July 1, 2019, in recognition of the impact of graduate study on overall scholarship and discovery. The new college is intended to create opportunities for University-wide partnerships, support curriculum innovation, facilitate high-value interdisciplinary programs and provide centralized support for graduate student services and recruitment.

The new dean will be an integral member of the University’s academic leadership team, working closely with senior administrators and the deans of the other colleges to support and elevate graduate education at the University.  The plan is for the new dean to serve a two-year term.

Nominations, including self-nominations, are invited from the University community.

Applications (a letter of interest and comprehensive curriculum vitae in one PDF file) should be submitted to the UD Careers site, through the Current Opportunities UD Employees icon by May 22. Nominations or expressions of interest can be submitted via this confidential form. Interviews will take place during June, with the goal to have the new dean in place by July 1.

The Graduate College search advisory committee, assisted by the Office of Human Resources and the Office of the Provost, is co-chaired by Abraham (Bramie) Lenhoff, Allan P. Colburn Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, and Chrystalla Mouza, Distinguished Professor in Teacher Education and director of the School of Education.

Other members include:

• Estella Atekwana, dean of the College of Earth, Ocean and Environment;
• Michael Bush, doctoral student in mathematics and past president of the Graduate Student Association;
• Kathleen Matt, dean of the College of Health Sciences;
• Shailen Mishra, postdoctoral researcher in the Department of English;
• Rodney Morrison, vice president for enrollment management;
• Jill Panté, director of the Lerner Career Services Center;
• Mark Parcells, professor of animal and food sciences;
• Maria Purciello, associate professor of music;
• Mary Remmler, vice president for strategic planning and analysis
• José-Luis Riera, vice president for student life;
• Charlie Riordan, vice president for research, scholarship and innovation;
• Matthew Robinson, professor of hospitality business management and past-president of the Faculty Senate;
• Kami Silk, professor and chairperson of the Department of Communication;
• Donald Watson, professor of chemistry and biochemistry; and
• Cathy Wu, Unidel Edward G. Jefferson Chair in Engineering and Computer Sciences.

While the search is underway, Doug Doren will continue to serve as interim vice provost for graduate and professional education and dean of the Graduate College.