A national search for the first dean of the University of Delaware’s new Graduate College is underway. A search advisory committee has been appointed and an executive search firm has been retained, University President Dennis Assanis and Provost Robin Morgan announced today.

The University’s newest college, 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 seven colleges to support and elevate graduate education at the University.

Identifying candidates to lead the Graduate College will be the focus of the search advisory committee, assisted by the firm of Parker Executive Search. Representatives from the Parker Executive Search will visit the campus on Wednesday, Oct. 9, to meet with and invite input from various campus constituencies, including the Graduate College Council; members of the Graduate College and the Office of Professional and Continuing Studies; and deans and other University leadership. In addition, all members of the campus community are invited to attend an open forum with the search firm, scheduled from 2-3 p.m. in Room 304 of Gore Hall. Those unable to attend may submit comments to ud-provost@udel.edu.

Co-chairing the search advisory committee are 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 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.