---
title: Launching the search for a new Dean of Public Policy
date: 2024-10-15T00:00:00-04:00
canonical_url: "https://provost.umd.edu/news/launching-the-search-for-a-new-dean-of-public-policy"
section: News
---
# Launching the search for a new Dean of Public Policy

*October 15, 2024*
> I am pleased to announce that a search committee has been appointed and the university has launched a national search to find an outstanding individual to fill the position of Dean of the School of Public Policy.

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

In May of this year, I [**informed**](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=b4f053df34aad9a50b166c4c2af9bd4a5f4ff5ef477853e11e88e5a288852787678bc336f8226eeb4529bc4ca1cf48158cb3fc8b98abd5bb) the School of Public Policy that Dr. Robert Orr is stepping down as Dean at the end of June 2025. I am now pleased to announce that a search committee has been appointed and the university has launched a national search to find an outstanding individual to fill the position of Dean of the School of Public Policy. Susan Rivera, Dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, is chairing the committee, which will be assisted by the international executive search firm Isaacson, Miller. The complete list of committee members is provided below.

We seek excellent and diverse candidates who can leverage our considerable academic strengths as a major research university, the unique advantages offered by our location, and our overriding commitment to inclusive excellence in all that we do. They will serve on the University’s academic leadership team, support the advancement of our university’s strategic plan, and work to build partnerships with policy makers, public officials, alumni, and business leaders who will enhance the student experience and bring significant new resources and opportunities to the school. The dean must be committed to continuing to build upon the strengths of the school, one that is a recognized leader on the regional, national, and international stage.

To identify the next dean, we need a concerted effort that engages the entire community, working with members of the search committee. You can assist in the search process by using your personal contacts and networks to identify outstanding candidates for this position and to make the opportunity widely known.

Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  
Nominations, inquiries, and applications, including a CV and letter of interest, should be submitted via the [**Isaacson, Miller website search page**](https://click.email.umd.edu/?qs=b4f053df34aad9a5a9da857227c0951a89ca857533b0dbf17324045768a78e5b0ceb31bceddf7868a22eb0627d06ae5a306b7f8df9681504). *Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.*

**Search Committee Members:**  
  
**Dr. Susan Rivera** | *Professor & Dean, BSOS-College of Behavioral & Social Sciences*  
**Patricia Bory** | *Associate Clinical Professor, PLCY-School of Public Policy*  
**Dr. Niambi Carter** | *Associate Professor, PLCY-School of Public Policy*  
**Kimberly Schmidt** | *Assistant Dean, PLCY-School of Public Policy*  
**Dr. Robert Grimm** | *Professor of the Practice, PLCY-School of Public Policy*  
**Dr. Nina Harris** | *Associate Dean, PLCY-School of Public Policy*  
**Chandrika Rallapalli** | *Assistant Dean, VPUR-Development*  
**Dr. Nathan Hultman** | *Professor, PLCY-School of Public Policy*  
**Dr. Jennifer Littlefield** | *Director, PLCY-School of Public Policy*  
**Dr. Shanna Pearson-Merkowitz** | *Professor, PLCY-School of Public Policy*  
**Dr. Philip Joyce** | *Professor, PLCY-School of Public Policy*  
**Dr. Charles Harry** | *Associate Research Professor, PLCY-School of Public Policy*  
**Dr. John Ronquillo** | *Associate Professor, PLCY-School of Public Policy*  
**Dr. John Bertot** | *Professor & Associate Provost, SVPAAP-Sr VP Academic Affairs & Provost*  
**Dr. Sarah Oates** | *Professor and Associate Dean, JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism*  
**Alvin Bradbury** | *PhD Student, PLCY-School of Public Policy*  
**Jane Holl Lute** | *Chair & Dean’s Advisory Council, PLCY-School of Public Policy*  
**Gavin Neubauer** | *Undergraduate Student, PLCY-School of Public Policy*  
**Jack Henick** | *Undergraduate Student, PLCY-School of Public Policy*  
**Lynn Mullineaux** | *Staff to committee, Office of the Provost*

**Search Firm:**  
  
**Vijay Saraswat**, *Partner*  
**Gale Merseth**, *Partner*  
**Amy Gillespie**, *Senior Associate*  
**Isaacson**, **Miller**

Sincerely,

**Jennifer King Rice**  
*Senior Vice President and Provost*  
She/Her/Hers