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Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences

Samuel Thomas named dean of the School of Arts & Sciences

The University has appointed Samuel (Sam) William Thomas III ’00, as the next Robert L and Mary L Sproull Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences. Thomas is a renowned scientist who brings proven academic leadership experience to his new role leading one of the University’s largest academic units. He will join the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ officially on January 1, 2026.

Read the full announcement on the News Center

Search committee and firm

A University-wide search committee was established to help evaluate candidates for this position. The University also acquired the search firm to assist in the position search.

Search committee members
  • Kate Sheeran (CHAIR): Joan and Martin Messinger Dean, Eastman School of Music; Professor of Horn
  • George Alessandria: Professor of Economics
  • Paul Audi: Professor and Chair, Department of Philosophy
  • Amy Fisher: Assistant Dean, School of Arts & Sciences
  • Gerald Gamm: Professor of Political Science and History; Associate Chair, Department of Political Science
  • Stephen Kleene: Associate Professor of Mathematics
  • Amy Lesch: Board of Trustee, Partner at KKR
  • Katherine Mannheimer: Professor and Chair, Department of English
  • Jennie Noll: Professor of Psychology; Executive Director, Mt. Hope Family Center
  • Deb Rossen-Knill: Professor, Executive Director for Writing, Speaking, and Argument Program
  • Nora Rubel: Jane and Alan Batkin Professor in Jewish Studies; Professor and Chair, Department of Religion and Classics
  • Ashley Smith: Executive Director of Advancement, School of Arts & Sciences
  • John Tarduno: Dean for Research
  • Albert “Al” C. Uy: Professor and Chair, Department of Biology