After DMS Dean Stephen Spielberg's resignation from his post in January 2008, William Green, a microbiology and immunology professor, filled the role of DMS dean until a national search for a more permanent replacement could be found, according to the letter. William Green will return to his post as chair of the department of microbiology and immunology once the new dean assumes the role, the letter stated.
Spielberg left the College to pursue longstanding medical research interests, The Dartmouth reported in 2008.
The Dartmouth previously reported that the search would not begin until after the Bard Group, a private consulting company, finishes its review of DMS's organizational and operational structure, but the review is yet to be completed, according to DMS professor Catherine Pipas, a member of the search committee.
"[The Bard Group's review] is still an ongoing process," Pipas said. "My belief is that [the review] will be happening parallel to this recruitment."
Pipas added that she does not know if the review will be completed before the selection of the new DMS dean.
Alan Green and Thayer School of Engineering professor Keith Paulsen, a member of the search committee, said they also did not know if the Bard Group had finished its review. Alan Green said he believes the search committee will take into account the Bard Group's findings as it searches for a new dean.
When asked if the College's current economic situation will affect the course of the search, both Alan Green and Pipas said they hope that the search will not be limited by budget concerns.
"I would say that [the search] is obviously a top priority," Pipas said. "The leader will be looking to guide us in the future this is the top priority for all of our resources."
Pipas added that fiscal responsibility will be a top criterion for her as she helps select the new dean.
Other qualities Pipas will look for among candidates include a commitment to education, research, clinical work, the national health and "training the students of the future," she said.
Paulsen said he will look for a dean who is "a strong scientific and medical leader in terms of education and research," while Alan Green said he could not identify the qualities he will look for among candidates because the search committee has not yet had its first meeting.
Several members of the search committee said they hoped College President Jim Yong Kim's renown in the medical and global health fields would help attract strong candidates for the DMS deanship.
The search committee also consists of Vice Provost for Research Martin Wybourne, DMS professor Charles Barlowe, DMS professor and Director of the Center for Informed Choice at The Dartmouth Institute E. Dale Collins, DMS professor and former acting dean of DMS Ethan Dmitrovsky, President of Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital Nancy Formella and Chief of Staff at the White River Junction VA Medical Center Thomas Parrino, according to the letter. Two DMS students will also serve on the committee, although they have not yet been selected, according to the letter.
