The Dean’s Annual Letter

7 September 2023

Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to the start of a new academic year! As most of you know, this was my first summer in the Dean’s office. I’ve had time to meet with most of the department and program chairs, and many others as well, and I’m eager to begin our work together this fall.

As is customary at this time of year, I write to introduce the new members of the faculty, to highlight our colleagues’ promotions, and to thank those who are serving in leadership positions.

Almost fifty new faculty members are joining us this fall, including thirteen new tenure line professors. We are also excited to welcome two new Bolin predoctoral fellows, two Mellon postdocs, several coaches, and a variety of visitors, distinguished visitors, and artists-in-residence. You can read more about this impressive group here. We look forward to welcoming them at the first Faculty Meeting.

You can also read about those faculty who have been promoted and those who have received named chairs on the Faculty Highlights page on the Dean of Faculty website. We congratulate them all on their impressive accomplishments.

Additionally, I want to call your attention to the faculty who are serving in leadership positions at the college this year, including those who are chairing faculty committees. I am grateful to all of them for their hard work and commitment.

Finally, I would like to introduce you to the new members of my office. Neil Roberts has begun his term as Associate Dean of the Faculty. Neil will be working closely with you all on faculty development in the weeks and months ahead. We’re also delighted to welcome Laurie Booth, who has worked at Williams since 2015, into the role of Executive Assistant to the Dean of the Faculty. The rest of the DoF staff, including those in the Grants Office, are all continuing in their previous roles.

All of us are here to support you in your work, so please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.

For now, my warmest wishes as we start the semester!

Lara