Dean of Arts & Sciences Search

WPI Opens Search for Dean, School of Arts & Sciences

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) invites nominations and applications for an accomplished academic leader with a demonstrated track record of success in leading a high-performing and dynamic organization to serve as the next Peterson Family Dean of Arts & Sciences. This is an exceptional opportunity to advance interdisciplinary education and research at a premier technological university known for project-based learning and strong graduate outcomes.

The School of Arts and Sciences spans seven departments in science, mathematics, humanities, and social sciences, preparing students to address global challenges by integrating STEM with the liberal arts.

Position Profile

The successful candidate will serve as the next Dean of WPI’s School of Arts and Sciences and will be a key strategic partner to Provost and Senior Vice President Andrew Sears. The next Dean will build on WPI’s distinctive strengths in project-based learning and research to advance the university’s national prominence in interdisciplinary STEM education.

The next Dean will step into leadership at an exciting time. The Dean will join WPI following the university’s recent achievement of Carnegie R1 research university status, recognition as No. 18 nationally for best return on investment by U.S. News & World Report, and inclusion among LinkedIn’s 50 Top Colleges for 2025 based on career outcomes and alumni success.

Working with President Grace Wang and Provost Sears, the Dean will contribute to a leadership team guiding WPI into the future via the Institute’s strategic plan: Lead with Purpose. The Dean will shape the future of a school that bridges cutting-edge science, technology, and the liberal arts while contributing to WPI’s continued rise in international prominence.

For more details about this role and about Worcester Polytechnic Institute, see the executive profile.

Search Committee

Bogdan Vernescu, Vice President and Vice Provost for Research and Innovation, (Search Committee Chair)

Rebecca Ouellette (Staff Liaison), Senior Director, Academic Operations, School of Arts & Sciences

Sarah Olson, William Steur Professor & Department Head, Mathematics

Art Heinricher, Professor, Mathematics

Natalie Farny, Associate Professor, Biology and Biotechnology

Steve McCauley, Associate Professor of Teaching, The Global School

Gillian Smith, Associate Professor, Computer Science

Yunus Telliel, Assistant Professor, Humanities

Sarah Van Hoesen, PhD Candidate, Physics

Emily Dean '26, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Procedure for Candidacy

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a two- to three-page letter of interest addressing the opportunities and challenges outlined in this profile.

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

Application materials, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to:

Division of Talent & Inclusion
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
100 Institute Road
Worcester, MA 01609
Dedicated search email: WPIDeanArtsAndSciences@wpi.edu

All communications will remain confidential.

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. It seeks individuals from all backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity, collaboration, inclusion, problem solving, innovation, high performance, and change making. It is committed to maintaining a campus environment free of harassment and discrimination.

campus shot of WPI sign with Alden Hall in the background

Position Profile

Search Committee

Procedure for Candidacy

WPI's Strategic Plan 2021-2026

School of Arts & Sciences

Innovative Research at WPI