They supervise academic departments and research centers. They oversee faculty searches and hires. They help set budget priorities and research funding. They manage allegations of conflicts of interest. They even get involved in renovations and space requests.
They are the divisional deans in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Alondra Nelson and Sharon Marcus. Nelson, a professor of sociology, was named dean of social sciences. Marcus, the Orlando Harriman Professor of English and Comparative Literature, became dean of humanities. They joined Amber Miller, a professor of physics, who has been dean of science since 2011.
The three report to David Madigan, executive vice president and dean of Arts and Sciences. “I am absolutely thrilled to have Alondra and Sharon join the A&S leadership team,” Madigan said. “Their energy and wisdom are truly inspiring and they are providing outstanding stewardship for their respective divisions.”
The divisional dean structure was established in 2011 by Nicholas Dirks, former dean of Arts and Sciences and now chancellor of the University of California, Berkeley. Since July 1 when they took up their posts, the divisional deans have played an integral role in the governance of Arts and Sciences.
