Communications
I am writing to provide an update on the search for the next dean of the School of Public Health. Over the past few months, I have been consulting widely to gain a deeper understanding of the needs and aspirations of the moment, and I am grateful to all those within the school and across the University who have shared their perspectives. I have had the opportunity to speak with students, faculty and staff members about key priorities and challenges for the school, and in particular about the importance of building on the momentum of the past decade—including under the capable direction of Dr. Francesca L. Beaudoin, who continues to lead the school as interim dean—and further elevating the impact and standing of the School of Public Health.
Our objective is to appoint a dean who will expand the school's research initiatives and strengthen its educational programs, foster collaborations at levels ranging from local partners to international organizations, and support the School of Public Health's mission to improve the health of all populations, including the most vulnerable. This is a compelling opportunity for a leader who is prepared to contribute to the national debate about public health and who is committed to training the next generation of scholars and leaders.
Based on the feedback I have heard, I have made the decision to conduct a formal, but expedited, search process. I have begun to identify a number of internal and external candidates who are exceptionally well qualified, and will be assisted in the search by an advisory committee that includes the following colleagues:
- Katie Brooks Biello, Provost's Professor of Epidemiology; Professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences; Chair of the Department of Epidemiology
- John Friedman, Vascellaro Family Dean of the Thomas J. Watson Jr. School of International and Public Affairs
- Joseph Hogan, Carole and Lawrence Sirovich Professor of Public Health; Professor of Biostatistics; Chair of the Department of Biostatistics
- Jaclyn White Hughto, Associate Professor of Epidemiology; Associate Professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences
- Irene Papanicolas, Provost's Professor of Health Services, Policy, and Practice; Director of the Center for Health System Sustainability
- Susan Short, Robert E. Turner Distinguished Professor of Population Studies
I would like to thank the advisory committee in advance for their assistance in helping us find the next dean of the School of Public Health.
Any member of the community who would like to forward a nomination should please contact Elizabeth Doherty, deputy provost for academic affairs, who is staffing the search committee (elizabeth_doherty@brown.edu).
Sincerely,
Francis J. Doyle III
Provost