Syracuse University appoints committees as Falk College, iSchool search for new deans

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse University has announced committees that will help search for the next deans of the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics and School of Information Studies (iSchool).

“Falk College has undergone tremendous growth and success over the last several years, thanks to the leadership of Dean Diane Murphy,” Gretchen Ritter, vice chancellor, provost and chief academic officer, said in a news release. “The college is well-positioned to continue on that path, particularly as we move forward with a joint Newhouse School-Falk College esports degree, making the deanship an attractive opportunity for the right leader. I thank the members of the search committee and look forward to meeting the slate of candidates they put forward.”

Murphy last October announced her plans to conclude her tenure as dean at the end of the academic year in 2023, per an Oct. 14, 2022 release on the Syracuse University news website.

Falk College faculty members Mary Graham, professor of sport management and faculty athletic representative, and Katherine McDonald, associate dean of research and professor of public health, are committee co-chairs.

The search firm WittKieffer will assist the committee in all aspects of recruitment and selection. Nominations may be sent to FalkCollegeDean@wittkieffer.com.

iSchool search

In addition, Ritter also announced the search-advisory committee that will work to select the next dean of Syracuse’s iSchool. David Seaman, dean of libraries and university librarian, has served as interim dean since May 2022.

Syracuse University appointed Seaman to the role after Rajiv (Raj) Dewan in May 2022 announced he would conclude his deanship on June 30, 2022, per a May 19, 2022 release on the Syracuse news website. Dewan planned to return to full-time faculty duties while continuing his research, the school added.

The committee — which includes students, faculty, staff and members of the Syracuse University board of trustees — will be co-chaired by iSchool professors Megan Oakleaf and Carsten Østerlund, Syracuse said.

“As a top school for data and information studies, known for producing leaders in the field, the iSchool is an integral part of the mission of Syracuse University,” Ritter said in a separate news release. “I look forward to the work of the committee as they identify a talented leader to fill the important role of iSchool dean.”

The members will oversee an interview schedule, stakeholder meetings, and candidate presentations. Management consulting firm Korn Ferry is assisting with the search. Nominations may be submitted via email to ischool@kornferry.com.