Timothy McGeary, a nationally respected leader in library technology, digital strategy, and research infrastructure, has been named the next Ģ����ý Librarian and the Andrew H. and Janet Dayton Neilly Dean of the Ģ����ý Libraries. He will begin his new role on March 1, 2026.��

McGeary comes to Ģ����ý from Duke University, where he currently serves as associate university librarian for digital strategies and technology. In this role, he oversees major enterprise systems, digital preservation and repository services, software development, data and visualization services, and technology operations that support teaching, research, and scholarship across Duke’s campus. His leadership portfolio also includes institution-wide partnerships and collaborations on research computing and data services, academic technologies, and long-term digital infrastructure planning. ��

“Tim brings an impressive depth of experience and a forward-looking approach that aligns perfectly with the Ģ����ý’s aspirations for its libraries and academic mission,” says Provost Nicole Sampson. “He is a trusted and collaborative leader whose work has strengthened digital scholarship, modernized library systems, and expanded the capabilities of research libraries. I am confident that his vision and partnership-oriented leadership will serve our faculty, students, and staff exceptionally well.”��

At Duke, McGeary has led strategic efforts to modernize and integrate digital systems, advance open-source and community-developed library technologies, and expand service models that support evolving scholarly practices. He previously held leadership positions at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Lehigh University, where he guided teams in library technology services, systems integration, digital scholarship support, and academic IT strategy. Throughout his career, he has built collaborative partnerships across academic units, developed organizational cultures that foster innovation, and contributed to national initiatives focused on digital repositories, open-source system governance, and shared library technology platforms.��

As University Librarian and Neilly Dean, McGeary will serve as the chief strategist and advocate for library services that support research, teaching, and student success across the University. The University Librarian and Neilly Dean provides strategic leadership for the libraries’ collections, facilities, digital infrastructure, scholarly communications programs, research support services, and partnerships across all schools. The role also includes advancing space planning and renovation priorities, strengthening external engagement and fundraising, and enhancing the libraries’ visibility as an essential partner in the University’s academic mission. McGeary’s experience leading cross-functional teams, large-scale project and portfolio management, collaborating with faculty and campus leadership, and managing multi-institution partnerships centered on user experience positions him to guide Ģ����ý’s libraries through a period of strategic change as part of Boundless Possibility.��

“I am deeply honored to join the Ģ����ý and to lead a library system with such a strong foundation, dedicated staff, and commitment to academic excellence,” McGeary says. “Rochester’s libraries play a critical role in supporting scholarship, creativity, and innovation. I look forward to working closely with colleagues across the University to build on that strength, expand digital and research capabilities, and continue creating spaces and services that meet the needs of today’s learners.”��

Provost Sampson expresses her appreciation to the search committee for their thoughtful and dedicated work throughout the national search process. She offered special thanks to Wendi Heinzelman, dean of the and a professor of electrical and computer engineering and computer science, who chaired the committee. “Wendi’s leadership ensured that we engaged a strong pool of candidates and a comprehensive, community-centered review process,” Sampson says. “I am grateful to her and to every member of the committee for their time, insight, and commitment to the University.”��

The Ģ����ý Libraries support academic inquiry, research excellence, student learning, and creative exploration across all disciplines. Through dynamic collections, expert staff, innovative digital services, and vibrant physical and virtual environments, the libraries advance the University’s mission and strengthen the scholarly community.��

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Melissa Sturge-Apple ’92, an accomplished scholar and experienced academic leader at the Ģ����ý, has been named dean of the . She has served as since July 1, 2024, following several years as vice provost and University dean of graduate education. A Ģ����ý alumna, Sturge-Apple received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and economics and holds a PhD in developmental psychology from Notre Dame. She will begin her role as permanent dean on January 1.��

As vice provost for graduate education and postdoctoral affairs, Sturge-Apple played a pivotal role in elevating the University’s graduate and postdoctoral enterprise. She led the development of a cohesive University-wide vision for graduate education across six schools, strengthened mentorship and community-building initiatives, expanded professional development and career exploration opportunities, and worked to enhance the overall experience and support systems for graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. Her efforts helped align academic policies, streamline processes, and foster stronger collaboration across Ģ����ý’s decentralized academic landscape.��

As interim dean, Sturge-Apple has guided the Warner School through a period of transition while building on Warner’s strategic priorities and strong foundation. During her tenure, Warner has experienced significant advances in research expenditures.

“Melissa brings exceptional strengths as a leader, scholar, and collaborator,” says Ģ����ý Provost Nicole Sampson. “Her record of advancing graduate education across the University, her deep commitment to students and educators, and her nationally recognized research on children and families make her uniquely well suited to lead Warner at this moment. I am confident that, under her leadership, the Warner School will continue to innovate in teacher preparation, counseling, leadership, and research that responds to the most pressing challenges in education.”��

A longtime Ģ����ý faculty member, , with a particular focus on families experiencing adversity. She has published more than 100 empirical papers in leading journals, including Developmental Psychology, Child Development, and Development and Psychopathology, and has led multiple large-scale research projects supported by the National Institutes of Health totaling more than $35 million.����

Sturge-Apple’s contributions to the field were recently recognized with , an honor reserved for members whose work has had a national impact and demonstrated outstanding contributions to psychology. Earlier in her career, she worked as a middle and high school counselor—experience that she says grounds her scholarship and leadership in the realities of schools and the needs of students and families.��

“Warner is an incredible community of scholars, educators, and students who are deeply committed to improving lives through education and well-being,” says Sturge-Apple. “I am honored to serve as dean and to work alongside colleagues who are advancing excellence and opportunity in schools and communities locally and globally. Together, we will continue to prepare the next generation of educators and leaders who can transform systems, support the holistic development of children and families, and generate research that shapes practice and policy.”��

Sampson also expressed gratitude to the members of the search committee and its chair, Senior Vice Provost for Academic Excellence and Professor of Biology Elaine Sia, for her leadership in the national search.��

“I want to thank Elaine Sia for her thoughtful leadership of this search and the committee members for their dedication and insight,” says Sampson. “Their work produced an outstanding outcome that reflects Warner’s aspirations and the University’s commitment to academic excellence, student success, and community engagement.”

Sturge-Apple credits Warner’s faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community partners for shaping the school’s direction and impact.��

“Warner’s strengths come from the people who make up this community,” she says. “I am grateful to partner with our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community collaborators as we advance Warner’s role as a hub for innovative research, responsive educational practice, and meaningful partnerships. I am excited for what we will accomplish together in the years ahead.”��

The announces that the will become part of the beginning in fall 2026. Established 13 years ago in the , the program has grown to become one of the most sought-after academic areas at the University, with nearly 250 graduates in the past year alone.��

The move represents the next step in a strong and productive partnership between Simon and the School of Arts & Sciences. Together, the schools built a program that blends the breadth of a liberal arts education with the depth of professional business training, encouraging students to pursue second majors across the humanities, social sciences, and sciences while also preparing them for high-demand careers in accounting, finance, business analytics, marketing, information systems, and entrepreneurship.��

“This move ensures that students in the undergraduate business program will have access to Simon’s analytic rigor and long-standing reputation,” says Provost Nicole Sampson. “With this shift, student outcomes are expected to advance even further through continued benefits from a broad liberal arts education paired with business and in pursuit of the University’s strategic goal of exceptional education.”��

By continuing the successful collaboration between Simon and Arts & Sciences, Rochester is deepening its commitment to creating transformative educational experiences that prepare students for successful careers, and for lives of impact, leadership, and discovery.����

“This transition strengthens our ability to provide undergraduates with the same rigor, data-driven, AI-forward approach, and global perspective that distinguish Simon’s graduate programs,” says Mitch Lovett, interim dean of the Simon Business School. “We are excited to welcome these students fully into the Simon community and to expand the opportunities available to them through our alumni network, corporate partnerships, and experiential learning programs.”��

The integration of the Barry Florescue Undergraduate Business Program fully into the Simon Business School will help ensure that students continue to benefit from a unique combination of rigorous education and professional business training. According to Lovett, the move also underscores Rochester’s deep commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities that empower students to thrive and succeed in today’s competitive landscape.��

The Ģ����ý has appointed Samuel (Sam) William Thomas III ’00, as the next Robert L. and Mary L. Sproull Dean of the . Thomas, an accomplished scholar and experienced academic leader, currently serves as senior dean of academic affairs and professor of chemistry in the School of Arts and Sciences at Tufts University. He will join the Ģ����ý officially on January 1, 2026.��

In his current role at Tufts, Thomas has supervised most of the academic departments and interdisciplinary programs in the School of Arts and Sciences, which has more than 6,000 students and 600 faculty. He also plays central roles in resource allocation, faculty and staff hiring and mentoring, budget oversight, enrollment management, and donor engagement for the school. ��

Thomas is a renowned scientist whose research and scholarship apply principles of physical organic chemistry to develop stimuli-responsive organic materials with impacts in organic electronics and photodynamic therapy. His research group’s work has been supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institutes of Health, and the Department of Energy. He has received major awards including the NSF CAREER Award, the DARPA Young Faculty Award, and the 3M Non-Tenured Faculty Award. Thomas has also authored more than 80 peer-reviewed publications and holds eight patents and patent applications and has supervised 12 successful PhD student defenses from his laboratory. He has also taught organic chemistry courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels.��

As dean of the School of Arts & Sciences, Thomas will lead one of the University’s largest academic units, providing intellectual vision for the faculty and spearheading efforts to strengthen scholarship and academic excellence across the arts, humanities, social sciences, and sciences. In this role, he will focus on improving student success; supporting faculty and staff; and nurturing a culture of trust, transparency, and community-building as the school and University navigate the challenges confronting higher education. Thomas will also work to promote collaboration across Rochester’s schools and divisions in support of the University’s “One University” ideal, while strengthening the school’s capital resources and integrating hands-on learning with world-class research. ��

“We are delighted to welcome Sam Thomas back to Rochester as the next dean of the School of Arts & Sciences,” says President Sarah Mangelsdorf. “Sam is an accomplished scholar, an experienced academic leader, and an alumnus who knows the transformative power of a Rochester education. I have no doubt that his vision, energy, and commitment to collaboration will help the School of Arts & Sciences thrive in the years ahead.”��

Thomas will also work to enhance the school’s visibility as a research-forward institution and will invigorate efforts to update existing infrastructure to meet the needs of faculty and students. This work will include playing a lead role in planning for new spaces such as the Natural Sciences Expansion/Transformative Technologies and Materials building. ��

“Sam brings an impressive record of scholarship, administrative leadership, and financial stewardship” says Provost and Chief Academic Officer Nicole Sampson. “His energy, creativity, and commitment to collaboration will help us strengthen our faculty, elevate student success, and expand the school’s impact across the University and beyond. I am excited to welcome him back to Rochester and eager to see all that he will accomplish in this important role.”��

Thomas’s appointment follows a national search led by Spencer Stuart, with input from a 14-member search committee chaired by Kate Sheeran, dean of the Eastman School of Music, and composed of faculty, staff, and trustees.��

“The Ģ����ý shaped my life both professionally and personally, and launched my career in science and higher education,” Thomas says. “It is a community and institution that I care about deeply, and to return now as dean of the School of Arts & Sciences is a profound honor. I look forward to working with the University leadership, deans across the schools, and the extraordinary faculty, staff, students, and alumni of the School of Arts & Sciences to build on its strengths, advance new ideas, and foster a culture of trust, transparency, and innovation that reflects Rochester’s Meliora values.”��

Thomas earned a bachelor of science in chemistry from the Ģ����ý in 2000 and a PhD in chemistry from MIT in 2006. He completed postdoctoral work as an American Cancer Society Fellow at Harvard University. He and his wife, Arabela Thomas ’01, have a 14-year-old son, Henry.��

The Ģ����ý has appointed Paul Sotoudeh ’95 as ombuds. In this role, Sotoudeh will lead the Ombuds Office, which serves as an impartial, confidential, and informal resource for all faculty, staff, and students across the University. He joins the University on September 15.

The Ombuds Office plays a critical role in promoting a fair, inclusive, and supportive environment by addressing individual concerns, facilitating informal conflict resolution, surfacing systemic issues, serving as an impartial adviser, and fostering effective communication across the University community.

Sotoudeh’s appointment follows the retirement of Frederick Jefferson, a professor emeritus at the who served as University intercessor for more than 40 years, and a reorganization of the Ģ����ý Ombuds Affiliate program, which ended in June 2025.

Sotoudeh brings extensive experience to the position, with more than two decades of distinguished service as an ombuds in the federal government. Since 2017, he has served as chief ombuds at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), where he established and led the agency’s first ombuds office for more than 14,000 employees. His leadership earned him the USPTO Director’s Award in 2021 and the Bronze Medal in 2024, among the highest forms of recognition for federal service.

A nationally recognized leader in the profession, Sotoudeh has also served four terms as the elected chair of the Coalition of Federal Ombuds (COFO), the primary organization supporting federal ombuds practitioners. In that role, he has supported the strengthening of professional standards across federal ombuds offices, represented the ombuds community to peer organizations, and overseen significant growth of the coalition’s services to its members.

“Paul Sotoudeh’s depth of experience and national leadership in the ombuds field make him an extraordinary choice to lead the University’s Ombuds Office,” says Provost Nicole Sampson. “His proven ability to foster trust, independence, and fairness will be invaluable in advancing our commitment to a positive and inclusive climate for all members of the University community.”

Sotoudeh earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the Ģ����ý before completing a juris doctor at Washington and Lee University School of Law. “After two decades of ombuds practice, it is an incredible honor to have the opportunity to do the work I love at a place I love, my alma mater,” Sotoudeh says. “I look forward to building a world-class ombuds program that the University community can trust, rooted strongly in the ombuds professional practice standards of independence, impartiality, and confidentiality.”

The Ģ����ý announces that Reitumetse (Reitu) Obakeng Mabokela has been appointed vice provost for global engagement, effective October 1, 2025.��

An accomplished scholar and internationally respected leader in global education, Mabokela joins Rochester from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she served as associate chancellor and vice provost for global affairs and strategies and professor of higher education in the Department of Education Policy, Organization and Leadership. Her distinguished career spans leadership roles in international education, equity and inclusion, and global partnership development across academic and governmental sectors.��

As vice provost for global engagement, Mabokela will serve as the University’s senior international officer, providing strategic leadership for the Office for Global Engagement. She will oversee the Center for Education Abroad and the International Services Office, and she will lead efforts to expand international partnerships, enhance global education pathways, support international students and scholars, and elevate Rochester’s global reputation in alignment with the University’s strategic plan, .��

Mabokela will also hold a faculty appointment at the .��

“Dr. Mabokela brings visionary leadership, deep global expertise, and a demonstrated commitment to inclusive international engagement,” said Ģ����ý Provost and Chief Academic Officer Nicole Sampson. “Her record of cultivating institutional collaborations and advancing transformative international strategies makes her exceptionally well-suited to guide Rochester’s global ambitions in the years ahead.”��

Born in South Africa, Mabokela has studied and worked on six continents and brings a rich multicultural perspective to her work. She holds a PhD in Educational Policy Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and has served as a visiting scholar and consultant at institutions across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Her research examines equity in global higher education systems, institutional transformation, and the experiences of marginalized populations in international contexts.��

“I am honored to join the URochester, an institution with a bold vision for global engagement and a deep commitment to research, discovery, and equity,” said Mabokela. “I look forward to partnering with students, faculty, staff, and global colleagues to strengthen Rochester’s international presence and impact, and to cultivate connections that advance knowledge, cultural understanding, and opportunity.”��

Mabokela’s appointment comes at a time of renewed emphasis on global partnerships and mobility. In this role, she will champion international diversity, support global research collaborations, strengthen international risk management, and develop programs that prepare students to lead in a globally interconnected world.��

has been reappointed to a third five-year term as dean of the Ģ����ý’s , a position she has held since her initial appointment in 2016. During her second term as dean, Heinzelman has successfully led the Hajim School through strategic initiatives to enhance its national reputation, increased research expenditures, expanded academic offerings and experiential opportunities for students, and promoted interdisciplinary collaboration.

Under Heinzelman’s leadership, the Hajim School has achieved a series of tangible results that reflect its growing national prominence and institutional strength. One key indicator is a 36 percent increase in research expenditures, underscoring the school’s expanding research capabilities and thriving interdisciplinary centers. At the same time, the faculty has grown by 20 percent, including a near doubling of instructional track faculty—highlighting a clear and sustained commitment to faculty success and development.

That momentum extends to academic programming as well, with new and innovative engineering and applied sciences degree offerings designed to meet emerging industry and societal needs. Complementing these academic and research gains are exceptional fundraising efforts such as the Wyant challenge, which is ahead of schedule in securing matching gifts to support a 50 percent expansion of the faculty. Under Heinzelman’s lead, the school also established its first endowed professorship in computer science, marking a major milestone in honor of the department’s 50th anniversary.

Heinzelman has been an extraordinary advocate for research and STEM education. This includes helping to advance the university’s federal priorities, such as pursuing opportunities through the CHIPS and Science Act and serving as a science policy resource for Members of Congress.

In order to rebuild the , Heinzelman supported the recruitment of six new research-active faculty to the department in the last 3 years, including the department chair, , who came to Rochester from UC San Diego. Additionally, Heinzelman has promoted outstanding hires throughout all of the Hajim departments and the , and established effective recruitment and mentoring approaches for these new junior faculty members.

Heinzelman receives high praise for her fair decision-making and strong organizational and communication abilities. Her commitment to inclusive leadership practices has created an environment that fosters growth, engagement, and excellence.

“Wendi Heinzelman has been an extraordinarily effective Dean of the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences,” says Nicole Sampson, Ģ����ý provost and chief academic officer. “Under her leadership, the Hajim School has recruited stellar faculty, grown its research portfolio, and further established itself as a school dedicated to excellence and student success. I am delighted to appoint her to another term as dean.”

“It has been a privilege to serve as dean of the Hajim School and to work alongside such talented and dedicated faculty, staff, and students,” says Heinzelman. “Together, we have advanced the Hajim School’s mission: to promote and support the highest quality research that advances solutions to pressing societal problems and to advance education in engineering and applied science through engaging experiences and environments that promote critical thinking, creativity, equity, ethics and leadership, creating lifelong learners. I am honored to continue this work and excited about what we will achieve in the years ahead.”

Prior to her first term as dean, Heinzelman served as dean of graduate studies for the former Arts, Sciences, & Engineering unit. She is also a professor of electrical and computer engineering with a secondary appointment in computer science. Heinzelman joined the in 2001 as an assistant professor and became a full professor in 2012.

Key initiatives Heinzelman plans to undertake during her third appointment as dean include:

• Supporting continued growth of the Hajim School research enterprise.
• Increasing opportunities for Hajim students to participate in research, internships, entrepreneurship, and global experiences.
• Enhancing the sense of community and professional development support for staff.
• Increasing the engagement of Hajim alumni and friends.
• Overseeing the design and construction of a new Transformational Materials and Technologies (TMT) building to support faculty growth and student success in the years ahead.

Through these initiatives, Heinzelman aims to enable Hajim faculty, staff and students to excel at the highest levels and ensure the Hajim School continues to become “ever better.”

Heinzelman will begin her third term as dean of the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences on July 1, 2026.

, senior associate dean of education and innovation and the Benjamin Forman Professor of Marketing at , has been named the school’s interim dean.����

Lovett joined the Simon Business School faculty in 2008 after earning a PhD in marketing from Duke University and has since established himself as a leading scholar and educator.��

In his administrative role, Lovett has played a pivotal part in launching the school’s AI Initiative, a crossdisciplinary effort to integrate artificial intelligence into business education. He also contributed to the development and launch of the full-time and the —both forward-thinking programs designed to prepare students for careers in an increasingly data- and AI-driven economy.��

“Mitch Lovett is an exceptional academic leader who brings deep expertise in both scholarship and innovation in business education,” says Nicole Sampson, Ģ����ý provost and chief academic officer. “His vision and dedication will be invaluable during this transition as Simon continues to build on its strengths and embrace the future of business.”��

Lovett’s research spans a broad range of marketing topics including advertising, branding, word-of-mouth, political marketing, consumer learning, and more. His work has been published in top academic journals and has earned him recognition from the Marketing Science Institute, as well as a finalist nod for the William F. O’Dell Award. His research has also been featured in prominent media outlets such as The New York Times, Forbes, and Ad Age.��

“I am honored to serve as interim dean of the Simon Business School and to move forward on its academic and strategic vision,” says Lovett. “I look forward to working in close partnership with our faculty, staff, students, and alumni to advance Simon’s mission and ensure its continued impact—ever better.��

Lovett is also a dedicated mentor to PhD students and an award-winning instructor, teaching courses in marketing research, analytics, and strategy.��

Lovett will begin serving as Simon’s interim dean on July 1.��

has been appointed the inaugural senior vice provost for academic excellence at the Ģ����ý, effective January 1. In this new role, Sia will be responsible for advancing the University’s academic mission by working closely with faculty, deans, and other senior leadership to strengthen the quality and impact of the University’s academic programs, research, and student success initiatives.

Sia is a professor in the and currently serves as the associate dean of academic affairs for the and the . She is known for her contributions to genetics education and research on mitochondrial DNA and comes to this role with a distinguished career in academic leadership and higher education administration. She brings a wealth of experience in fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, supporting faculty development, and leading initiatives that enhance the academic environment.

As senior vice provost, Sia will play a pivotal role in the continued growth and success of the University’s academic offerings, furthering our commitment to excellence and innovation.

“I am thrilled to welcome Elaine Sia to our leadership team as senior vice provost for academic excellence,” says Interim Provost Nicole Sampson. “Her vision, academic acumen, and deep commitment to faculty and student success make her the ideal person to lead this critical area of our institution. Elaine’s leadership will be instrumental in furthering the University’s academic goals, advancing excellence across disciplines, and creating a more inclusive and dynamic academic community.”

Since joining the University in 2000, Sia has been a pivotal figure in the academic community. She has taught nearly 4,000 undergraduates with a philosophy that emphasizes understanding the experimental basis of scientific knowledge, encouraging students to explore not just what we know but also how we know it. In 2021, Sia received the Goergen Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Education. She has served on numerous school and University-level committees and is currently a member of the Institute for the Curriculum Committee and the IES Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Steering Committee.

Throughout her career, Sia has been recognized for her dedication to teaching and mentorship. She has been described as approachable, supportive, and committed to student success, often making herself available for discussions outside of class. Her efforts to enhance laboratory components of introductory courses have provided students with essential hands-on experience, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application. “I am honored to accept this position and to work alongside such a talented and dedicated community of scholars, faculty, and students,” says Sia. “I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the University to build on its strong academic foundation and help shape its future trajectory. Together, we will continue to drive innovation in teaching, research, and the overall student experience—and foster an environment where every member of the university can thrive.”

Sia earned a bachelor of science in biological sciences from Michigan State University and completed a PhD in microbiology at Columbia University in 1994. Following her doctorate, she conducted postdoctoral research in the biology department at Columbia University and at the University of North Carolina. Sia’s research has focused on the replication, repair, and maintenance of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Her work has provided insights into the unique requirements of this subcellular genome, utilizing genetic and molecular techniques to identify proteins involved in mtDNA stability.

Sevin Yeltekin has been reappointed to a second five-year term as dean of the at the Ģ����ý, a position she has held since her initial appointment in 2020. During her first term as dean, Yeltekin helped navigate and lead the school through the Covid-19 pandemic, led the efforts to develop Simon’s 2025 strategic plan, and oversaw the creation of several new programs, including the school’s online , the , and the advanced certification in FinTech and AI, a program designed to teach the latest in financial technology and the impact of artificial intelligence in finance.

Yeltekin also , embedding the latest artificial intelligence instruction into the curriculum, with the goal of advancing the school’s reputation as a pioneer in exploring generative AI in business education.

A respected scholar and proven partner, Yeltekin has also collaborated closely with the to launch the Healthcare Leadership Certificate program, and with University Advancement to create the Simon Proud and Simon Quick Takes webinars, designed to raise funds and foster connections between current students and alumni.

“Sevin is a dedicated thought leader who is committed to the success of Simon and the entire University,” says Nicole Sampson, Ģ����ý interim provost and chief academic officer. “Under her leadership, the Simon Business School has recruited stellar faculty, improved its financial health, and further established itself as a school dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. I am delighted to appoint her to another term as dean.”

Under Yeltekin’s leadership, Simon has continued its by establishing the school’s equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) office and council, implementing EDI action plans, and engaging Consortium alumni on key initiatives to increase African American, Native American, and Hispanic American representation in business schools. In 2022, Simon was ranked first in the nation in diversity among the top 50 MBA programs in US News & World Report and continues to be ranked at the very top in diversity metrics.

“I am honored to be reappointed as dean of the Simon Business School,” Yeltekin says. “The opportunity to work with our alumni and everyone in the Simon community to promote and support our analytic and data-driven approach to business and problem solving is incredibly rewarding. Our stellar education and research are shaping tomorrow’s business leaders and defining business practices.”

Prior to her first term as dean, Yeltekin was the Rohet Tolani Distinguished Professor of Economics and senior associate dean of education at the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University, where she led the business school through its five-year re-accreditation process, completed the process for MBA and PhD programs to be STEM-designated, and launched a new undergraduate interdisciplinary major, economics and politics.

In her second appointment as dean of the Simon Business School, Yeltekin plans to launch new initiatives and build on some of the accomplishments from her first five years as dean. “I look forward to working with our excellent students, faculty, and staff in my second term,” she says. “Together, we will focus on faculty recruitment, program innovation, and sound financial management to rise to the opportunities and meet the challenges of a changing business education landscape.”

Yeltekin will begin her second term as dean on July 1, 2025.