Dear Sagehens,
Yesterday, Pomona’s faculty voted in favor of a new leadership structure for Academic Affairs. The endorsed proposal separates the duties of the current dean of the College into two roles—a provost and vice president for Academic Affairs and a dean of the faculty, who will also serve as vice provost for Academic Affairs. Both positions will be members of the College’s Executive Staff.
Our faculty’s endorsement reflects a shared belief that this revised structure will better position the College to strengthen engagement with departments and programs and support both long-term academic planning and faculty needs.
Yesterday’s advisory vote followed months of review, discussion and meaningful engagement around this proposed evolution. I want to take this opportunity to thank our faculty for the care and thoughtfulness they brought to this process, asking important questions, considering the issues we are collectively attempting to resolve, and, ultimately, helping to advance this promising path forward for the College’s academic mission.
Our immediate focus now shifts to launching an internal search for Pomona’s inaugural dean of the faculty and vice provost for Academic Affairs. The first step will be to consult with our Faculty Executive Committee to assemble a search committee. We anticipate that recruitment will begin this fall. A national search for a permanent provost and vice president for Academic Affairs will begin next fall.
My thanks to Brent Carbajal for leading this process, and for agreeing to continue his service with us for an additional third year as our inaugural interim provost. Brent's depth of experience serving as a dean and provost, coupled with the relationships and trust he has built here at Pomona, will help ensure a successful transition, and position the College to recruit a highly qualified permanent provost for Fall 2028.
Warmly,
Gabi