Lewis Duncan, the current provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at the University of Tulsa, will be the new dean of the Thayer School of Engineering, College President James Freedman announced yesterday.
Duncan will take over in July, replacing former Dean Elsa Garmire, who resigned last July after serving less than two years in order to pursue her interests in research and teaching. Former Thayer Dean Charles Hutchinson has been acting dean since Garmire's resignation.
Duncan said he was attracted by Dartmouth's student-centered emphasis, as well as its value on a liberal education.
"This is a dream job for me -- entering a school and a College that are among the most respected schools in the country," he told The Dartmouth yesterday.
"I was very pleased to learn that I was unanimously recommended by the search committee and the full faculty, and I'm just enthusiastic about joining the Dartmouth community and the Thayer School," he added.
Engineering Professor Horst Richter, who chaired the search committee for the new dean, said Duncan was chosen from a pool of 50 applicants because he is an "outstanding researcher" and has a "very extensive administrative background."
Duncan has conducted research in plasma physics for more than 20 years and has been a principle investigator in multiple projects funded by private and public organizations.
Hutchinson said Duncan has "all the right qualities," citing his experience as a dean, teacher and researcher, along with his personality and interest in students.
Duncan, who said he has been "a very strong proponent of liberally educated engineers," said he does not yet have any specific goals for the Thayer School.
"I'm very student-centered, and so I would say it's premature for me to have goals in terms of specific items," he said. "I'm very much a believer in participatory, consultative leadership."
He said he plans on improving the undergraduate experience at the Thayer School, particularly helping students compete for national scholarships and fellowships.
Enhancing the reputation and improving the quality of the Master of Science and doctoral programs are among Duncan's other aims, along with helping to "promote and grow" the Master of Engineering Management degree, he said.
Duncan said he has "always taught and continued to maintain an active externally funded research program," and he is looking forward to engaging in close relations with students and faculty.
He said the undergraduate engineering sciences degree and the quality of a liberal educational experience for non-majors are important to him as well.
"As we enter the information, or the knowledge age, as it's sometimes called, a liberal education founded on an understanding and an appreciation for technology becomes increasingly important," he said. "The Thayer School plays a key role for the liberal education of all Dartmouth students."
Due to a number of recent retirements, Hutchinson said the hiring of faculty will be one Duncan's most important immediate tasks.
Hutchinson said he will also deal with common issues such as fundraising and improving the curriculum.
"I think he'll have an interest in the broader College," said Provost James Wright, who will assume the College presidency in August. "He will represent the Thayer School well in raising money and helping the faculty advance even more towards some of their aspirations for the school."
Duncan's field of radio physics has applications to remote sensing and telecommunications.
He said the Thayer School "has had a strong presence in that field for many decades," which is another reason he applied for the position.
Duncan has also done public policy research in nuclear non-proliferation, international security and the environment.
Richter said the committee saw Duncan's interests "beyond engineering" as a plus.
