Search begins for Rackham dean

The University began a search last week for the dean of the Rackham School of Graduate Studies, a position that has been tumultuous in recent years.

Provost Nancy Cantor, who left the position of Rackham dean to become University provost in August, began the search process by selecting a five-member search committee, composed of members who chose Cantor to lead Rackham 18 months ago.

"Rackham, as an organization, has had four deans in the past four years, so it was very important to get people who already knew what the (applicant) pool needs," Cantor said.

While the committee is encouraging faculty members to apply for the position, currently filled by interim Rackham Dean Earl Lewis, Cantor said the search will focus on the candidates who were successful during the last search.

"Obviously, they're going to look at any nominations that come in, but they will turn to people who were highly desired before," Cantor said.

Psychology and women's studies Prof. Abigail Stewart, who chairs the search committee, said the committee expects to fill the position with a candidate from the University, but will consider looking at external candidates if they are unable to find a suitable internal one.

"We did think then, and we do thinknow, that the successful candidate should know the University well," Stewart said.

Stewart said the committee chose to look at the previous candidates because members want to find a new dean as early as late December.

"The notion was that the committee generated a lot of candidates and made a lot of evaluations not very long ago," Stewart said.

Last week, Stewart sent letters to members of the faculty inviting them to apply for the position.

The committee already has contacted deans and members of Rackham's student government to discuss the search.

"We really want the community input in this process," Stewart said. "The more input we have, the more likely it will be a good outcome."

Stewart said the committee is looking for someone who has a genuine interest in and knowledge of graduate education.

"We want to hear from someone who has a vision of what role this graduate school will have on campus," Stewart said.

University President Lee Bollinger said the new dean will have to be someone who is concerned with both faculty and students.

"(The position) has become something of an intellectual center on campus," Bollinger said. "(The new dean) will have to be able to think really well about graduate education."

Physiology Prof. Louis D'Alecy, chair of the faculty's governing body, said the search committee should look for someone who has a good sense of the entire campus.

"As the dean of Rackham, more than any other dean, you need to interact with other units," D'Alecy said.

Art and Architecture Dean Allen Samuels said it is important that the search seek out a diverse pool of candidates.

"I would always want as broad a net cast as possible," Samuels said. "Therefore, a national search seems best. But the pool is still warm."

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