Administration

Search begins for dean of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State has launched a national search for the next dean of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences (EMS).

Rick Roush, dean of Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, is chairing the search committee.

William E. Easterling III will step down as dean of the College of EMS on May 31 to begin a four-year National Science Foundation appointment as director of the Directorate for Geosciences in Washington, D.C. Easterling, who also holds the title of professor of geography, will remain a member of the Penn State faculty during his NSF appointment.

“The next dean of the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences will be joining Penn State at an exciting time when interest is high nationally and globally in the earth and mineral sciences,” said Nicholas P. Jones, Penn State executive vice president and provost. “The college is already regarded as a world leader in teaching and research related to energy, the environment, climate, geophysics, engineering, advanced materials and more. A visionary leader is needed to capitalize on these strengths while positioning the college to be on the leading edge of tomorrow’s challenges.”

Reporting directly to the executive vice president and provost of the University, the dean serves as the principal academic and administrative officer of the college. The College of EMS provides instruction and research opportunities in five departments: Energy and Mineral Engineering, Geography, Geosciences, Materials Science and Engineering, and Meteorology and Atmospheric Science. All five departments are considered among the top tier in their disciplines.

In addition to the academic departments, there are a number of research centers and institutes that enhance the teaching, research, and outreach missions of the college. Programs in the college encompass cutting-edge fundamental physical and social sciences, engineering, and technology.

Founded in 1896, the College of EMS currently enrolls approximately 2,000 undergraduate and 504 graduate students in residence, along with an additional 1,500 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in online certificate and degree programs delivered through Penn State World Campus. The college has 236 faculty members, including five members of the National Academies.

To apply, submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for four references via the University’s employment website at https://psu.jobs/job/69157. Address all inquiries and nominations to Rick Roush, chair of the search committee, and send to PSUSearch@psu.edu. The search committee will review applications and nominations beginning March 16, and will continue to receive them until the position is filled. For more information about the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, visit http://www.ems.psu.edu/.

Members of the search committee are:

  • Jenna M. Bishop, president, College of EMS Student Council
  • Seth Blumsack, associate professor of energy policy and economics; associate department head, Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering
  • Blannie Bowen, vice provost for academic affairs
  • Cynthia Brewer, professor and head, Department of Geography
  • Katherine Freeman, Evan Pugh University Professor of Geosciences
  • Gregory Jenkins, professor of meteorology
  • Carol Packard, director of development and alumni relations, College of EMS
  • Richard Roush, search committee chair; dean, College of Agricultural Sciences
  • Victoria Sanchez, associate dean for educational equity, College of EMS
  • Susan Sinnott, professor and head, Department of Materials Science and Engineering
  • Sanjay Srinivasan, professor of petroleum and natural gas engineering; Leone Family Chair in Energy and Mineral Engineering; interim associate department head for graduate education, Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering
  • Ann Taylor, director, John A. Dutton e-Education Institute
  • Douglas Wolfe, senior scientist; head, Advanced Coating Department, Applied Research Laboratory; professor of materials science and engineering; professor of engineering science and mechanics
Last Updated February 20, 2017