I am writing to announce the reopening of the search for American University’s next dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. I am pleased to report that most members of the search committee appointed during the last academic year have agreed to continue their service. Many thanks to these colleagues, whose names and titles are listed below. I would also like to express my appreciation to David Haaga for once again assuming the role of committee chair.

AY2021–2022 CAS Dean Search Committee Members:

David Haaga (Chair)

Professor, Department of Psychology

Robert A. Blecker

Professor, Department of Economics

Ernesto Castañeda

Associate Professor, Department of Sociology

Elizabeth Harless

Assistant Dean of Development, CAS, Office of Development and Alumni Relations

Nathan Harshman

Professor, Department of Physics

Eric Leal

Associate Dean for Budget and Administration, College of Arts and Sciences

Nabina Liebow

Professorial Lecturer, Department of Philosophy and Religion & Director, CAS LEAD Program

Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Associate Professor, Department of Literature

Luis Silva

Associate Professor, Department of Art

Stacey Snelling

Professor and Chair, Department of Health Studies

Lauren Tabbara

Director, Graduate Academic Programs, College of Arts and Sciences

Kathryn Walters-Conte

Director for STEM Partnerships and Innovation, College of Arts and Sciences

Jessica Waters

Dean of Undergraduate Education and Vice Provost for Academic Student Services

Shouzhong Zou

Professor, Department of Chemistry

As before, Jim Sirianni of the firm Storbeck Search and Sara Biggs of the Office of the Provost will assist us in filling this important deanship. We very much look forward to involving additional members of the AU community in the search as it progresses. 

I am deeply grateful to Max Paul Friedman for his ongoing service as CAS interim dean, a role that he has held since July 2020. Max’s dedication to CAS and to AU is unmatched. As we have returned to in-person activities this semester, his steady leadership and deep institutional knowledge have been essential to our success. Max is a thoughtful and collaborative colleague who has made significant contributions to our Deans’ Council and President’s Council throughout his tenure. He has overseen the launch of the CAS Antiracist Curriculum Development Initiative, the opening of our new Hall of Science, and development of the AU Virtual Tutoring Corps, among many other initiatives. Please join me in thanking Dean Friedman for this important work.

We will share periodic updates with the community as the search unfolds. Once the position is posted, please feel free to reach out to strong prospective candidates to let them know about this opportunity and encourage them to apply. Do not hesitate to be in touch with Sara Biggs (sbiggs@american.edu) if you have any questions.