Over the past year, the Rensselaer community has seen three school deans accept positions at other institutions, including former Dean of the School of Science Wei Zhao, former Dean of the School of Architecture Alan Balfour, and now Dean of the School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences John Harrington. In addition, it was revealed Tuesday by Vice President for Enrollment and Dean of Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions James Nondorf that he has accepted the position of vice president and dean of college admissions and financial aid at the University of Chicago. Each administrator’s transition leaves RPI with one less leader during a time when such a person is desired.
The transition of these leaders to other institutions points to the caliber with which RPI conducts itself. In April 2008, Zhao was appointed rector of University of Macau in China. Balfour accepted the position of dean of the College of Architecture at the Georgia Institute of Technology in May 2008. Harrington’s new position as dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at Fordham
University and Nordorf’s transition to the University of Chicago will both be effective as of July 1.
Upon the announcement of the departure of each of the deans, it was stated that a committee for the search process to appoint a permanent successor would be formed. The Editorial Board of The Poly hopes that these searches remain at the forefront of the administration. It is the leadership that makes up an institution; without such leadership it becomes difficult for anything to function properly.
We hope that the search for the successors of these positions is conducted in a timely fashion, yet in such a way that thoroughness and precision is not diminished.
In the time between the leaving of a dean and the arrival of his successor, the Editorial Board hopes that the appointed deans maintain the quality of leadership that RPI requires.
