Dear members of the Thayer community,
I write to announce the search for the next dean of Thayer School of Engineering—and to ask for your help in identifying candidates who can further Dartmouth Engineering's tradition of innovative, collaborative, interdisciplinary, and human-centered research and teaching.
Over recent weeks, I had the privilege of speaking with many of you about the qualities we should seek in the next dean of engineering. Your insights affirmed that a successful new dean must bring extraordinary vision to the role, a proven ability to foster collaboration across disciplines and schools, and a deep commitment to Thayer's mission.
These conversations also guided the composition of a search advisory committee with representation from all Dartmouth's schools, reflecting the vital role that the new dean will play in maintaining and forging collaborations across the institution.
I am delighted that Mathieu Morlighem, the Evans Family Distinguished Professor of Earth Sciences, has agreed to chair this committee. Its members are:
- Todd Cook '93, Thayer '94, Thayer Board of Advisors
- Eric Fossum, vice provost for entrepreneurship and technology transfer; director of the PhD Innovation Program; the John H. Krehbiel Sr. Professor for Emerging Technologies
- Steve Leach, interim dean of Geisel School of Medicine and the Preston T. and Virginia R. Kelsey Distinguished Chair in Cancer
- Lauren Xiaoyuan Lu, the Norman W. Martin 1925 Professor of Business Administration, Tuck School of Business
- Mathieu Morlighem (chair), the Evans Family Distinguished Professor of Earth Sciences
- James Moseley, chair and professor of biochemistry and cell biology, Geisel
- Olivia Palmer, PhD candidate in engineering, Thayer
- Hélène Seroussi, associate professor of engineering and program lead in mechanical, operations, and systems engineering, Thayer
- Tricia Spellman, chief financial and administrative officer, Thayer
- Charlie Sullivan, the Sue and John Ballard '55 TT'56 Professor of Engineering, Thayer, and co-director of the Power Management Integration Center
- Tam Vu, the Thomas A. and Georgina Tugwell Russo 1977 Distinguished Professor in Computer Science
Supporting the committee's work, we have engaged the executive search firm Korn Ferry. You are invited to submit confidential nominations, applications, or expressions of interest. Additional information about the search will be shared as the process advances.
Finally, I want to extend my gratitude to Doug Van Citters, who has served admirably as interim dean since January 2025 and will continue in this role until the position is filled. I am deeply appreciative of his leadership and dedication during this period of transition.
Sincerely,
Santiago Schnell
Provost