College of Arts and Sciences Dean Search

The dean of the College of Arts and Sciences is the college's lead academic and administrative leader, responsible for advancing its academic mission, supporting excellence in teaching, research and creative work, and fostering student, faculty and staff success. Working collaboratively with campus and community partners, the dean serves as the principal advocate for the college and helps shape its future through strategic leadership, resource stewardship and external engagement.

Help shape the future of the College of Arts and Sciences

Share your input on the priorities and leadership qualities important to the college's next dean by answering the questions in this search survey by Friday, Oct. 23. Your perspectives will help inform the leadership profile and priorities for the college's next dean.

For those interested in nominating individuals you believe would be strong candidates for this role, send nominations to CUBoulder.CAS@russellreynolds.com, along with the nominee's current institution or organization and, if possible, a brief note explaining why they would be an effective leader for Arts and Sciences. Our search consultants will contact viable nominees directly regarding their interest in the position.

College of Arts and Sciences Dean Search Advisory Committee

Committee chair

Lori Bergen, founding dean, College of Communication, Media, Design & Information 

Committee members

  • Brian Cadena, professor, economics 
  • Juliann Couture, associate professor and Director of Researcher and Collections Engagement, University Libraries  
  • Petra Deffenbaugh, CUSG legislative council president and arts and sciences student 
  • Marissa Ehringer, professor and chair, integrative physiology
  • Jennifer Fitzgerald, Associate Dean for Student Success, arts and sciences dean’s office, and professor, political science 
  • Patricia Gonzalez, Assistant Dean for Access and Community Engagement, arts and sciences dean's office 
  • Amy Hutton, vice chancellor, enrollment management 
  • Hayley Kwasniewski, PhD candidate, environmental studies, INSTAAR
  • Steve McCarthy, Arts and Sciences Dean Advisory Board Chair 
  • Dimitri Nakassis, Professor of Distinction, classics  
  • Margot Neufeld, associate vice chancellor, advancement, academic affairs
  • Warren Sconiers, associate teaching professor, ecology and evolutionary biology 
  • Jason Shelton, Assistant Dean for Recruitment and Student Resources, arts and sciences dean’s office
  • Margaret Tolbert, Distinguished Professor, chemistry and CIRES 
  • Phoebe Young, professor and chair, history 

Search timeline

Friday, Sept. 11   Nominations close for search advisory committee membership

Week of Sept. 21   Search advisory committee seated

Fall and winter   Leadership profile development and candidate recruitment

Early spring   Finalists visit campus

Before the end of the spring semester   Appointment of the next dean

News