RPI begins search for Science Dean

Dean of Science Joseph Flaherty will be stepping down from his post effective July 1 and reassume his faculty position as the Amos Eaton Professor of Computer Science. On February 8, the members of a search committee were named along with the chair of the committee, Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education Prabhat Hajela.

Hajela said that Flaherty suffered a stroke about a year ago, which was his primary reason for going back to a non-administrative position while still being on the RPI faculty. The Associate Dean of the School of Science, Professor Samuel Wait, will be overseeing the day-to-day operations of the department after July 1 while the search for a new Dean proceeds.

According to Hajela, the search committee will be responsible for identifying “a person who will be responsible for the direction of the School of Science and provide vision and energy for moving the school forward in the new millennium.” Since the search committee has not yet been charged by the Provost, it is unclear whether an ad hoc search or a search aided by a firm will take place.

Many varied avenues will most likely be used in the search—ranging from applications and nominations, to a professional search. Hajela expected that the provost would charge the search committee to begin its work on or around March 10, and that candidates for the position would be identified by this coming fall.

The search committee is broad-based in its membership, including a Constellation Professor, members of the Computer Science, Biology, Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, and MANE departments, and the assistant to the dean of the School of Science.

However, as the search proceeds Hajela indicated that the committee is dedicated to finding “a candidate who is a proven and distinguished leader in their field” to lead the School of Science.

Provost G. P. “Bud” Peterson said, “We’ve established the search committee and I’m very confident we’ll be able to find an extremely qualified individual to continue the progress made under the strong leadership of Dean Flaherty.”