School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Dean
The School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences at Stony Brook University invites applications and nominations for the position of Dean. Stony Brook University is a member of the prestigious Association for American Universities (AAU) and one of the nation’s premier centers for academic excellence. The Dean will play a key leadership role in advancing the mission, operations and service of the School, capitalizing on the momentum that is propelling Stony Brook into the ranks of some of the most highly regarded public research universities in the nation.
The School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS) is among the world’s leading organizations dedicated to research and education in atmospheric sciences and all the major disciplines of oceanography, as well as sustainability studies. Fundamental and applied research at SoMAS explores solutions to issues ranging from environmental problems unique to Long Island to climate processes that are impacting the entire globe. The School’s location on the US north Atlantic near Long Island Sound and New York Harbor allows students and faculty to investigate a variety of habitats and coastal processes that range from the open ocean to the largest metropolitan area in the United States. They can tap into resources at the nearby National Weather Service (NWS) Upton, NY office, NWS Eastern Region Headquarters, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
Currently, SoMAS is home to 66 faculty (49 of whom are tenured or tenure-track, four of whom are distinguished professors and three of whom are endowed professors), 21 full-time staff, 500 undergraduate students, 135 graduate students, eight sea-going research vessels and running seawater at two field laboratories. In March 2017, a state-of-the-art Ka-band Scanning Polarimetric Radar (KASPR) was delivered to the SoMAS. The KASPR is the most sophisticated cloud radar ever built and the first of its kind at a university. It will collect unique observations in clouds and precipitation and is expected to push the frontiers in basic knowledge in ice/snow microphysics and warm clouds lifecycle. Other recently acquired cutting edge facilities include, for example, the NAno-RAMAN Molecular Imaging Laboratory.
Four faculty members at SoMAS have been recognized for their contributions to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, along with former Vice President Al Gore, for efforts to understand climate change. In addition, the School’s Ph.D. program was ranked by the National Research Council in 2010 as the sixth top program among all marine and atmospheric sciences programs in the nation; SoMAS ranked first in diversity of both the student population and faculty. The 4-year and 6-year graduation rates for SoMAS undergraduates are 80% and 98%, respectively.
As the leading academic and administrative officer of SoMAS, the Dean will provide leadership in defining and communicating the School’s strategic goals. S/he will guide a robust scholarship and research agenda, and promote excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, including the development of collaborative academic programs and a commitment to diversity for faculty and students in the School. The Dean will report to the Provost (who is the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs) and will play a key leadership role on the University’s senior management team.
Requirements: APh.D. degree (or equivalent) in Oceanography, Atmospheric Sciences or a related field; a distinguished reputation for sustained scholarly accomplishments, including a strong record of success in funded research; and a record of excellence in teaching, research and service appropriate to appointment as Full Professor with tenure. The ideal candidate will be an individual of integrity, a visionary leader, an entrepreneurial builder, and a team player. The ability to work effectively with university senior leadership and with faculty to implement an ambitious strategic plan, a commitment to diversity, superior communication skills, and a passion for undergraduate and graduate education are also essential.
Confidential inquiries, nominations and applications should be sent electronically via email (Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF files preferred) to:
Jett Pihakis, Ph.D.
Consultant to the Search Committee
Russell Reynolds Associates
Higher Education Practice
SBU.SoMAS@russellreynolds.com
Stony Brook University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer. The University actively encourages applications and nominations of women, minorities and persons with disabilities and applications from candidates with diverse cultural backgrounds.