Campus input sought in SEAS dean search

Published November 6, 2019

Members of the UB community will have a chance to offer their input as the university begins its search for a new dean for the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

The newly appointed search committee will hold a listening session from 4-5 p.m. Nov. 11 in The Buffalo Room, 10 Capen Hall, North Campus, to assist the panel as it begins the search for the successor to Liesl Folks, who left UB in July to become senior vice president for academic affairs and provost at the University of Arizona.

The session, which is open to all faculty, staff and students, will address campus interests and priorities for the search. Those unable to attend the session may offer input to the search committee using this link. This survey site will remain active for comments and questions throughout the search; it collects all input confidentially.

The search committee is chaired by Jean Wactawski-Wende, SUNY Distinguished Professor and dean of the School of Public Health and Health Professions. It includes UB senior leadership and faculty from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, as well as other UB and community members with relevant professional interests and expertise. Click here for the full roster.

The university also has hired the consulting firm Russell Reynolds Associates to assist in the search. Firm principals Jett Pihakis and Joi Hayes-Scott will be working on the search. Pihakis has experience in recruiting leaders to UB at the cabinet, decanal and department chair levels.

President Satish K. Tripathi, who appointed the search committee, says he expects an appointment to be made in the spring semester.

A search website is now active with information on the search process, committee, communications, and application and nomination procedures. Additional information will be posted on the site as it becomes available.