Change in Title for Dean of the College

Dear Colleagues,

I know you join me in appreciation for the dedicated work and strong leadership that Elaine Marzluff has so tirelessly provided over the past few months since agreeing to serve as Acting Dean of the College and Vice President for Academic Affairs during a time of leadership transition.

As we prepare for the new academic term, I believe it is important to change Elaine’s title from “Acting” to “Interim” to more fully reflect her role for this coming academic year. I have consulted with Board of Trustees Chair David Maxwell on this matter, and he is supportive of this change. It is important to note that while the terms acting and interim are sometimes used interchangeably, there are differences — namely that “acting” indicates holding a position during leaves or transitions, while “interim” denotes filling a position until a search is completed.

You can anticipate hearing more about our search for a new dean when we have more specific information to share regarding our process and the timing for that work.

Since Elaine joined the Grinnell faculty in 1997, she has proven to be an exceptional scholar of science, an engaging teacher, and dedicated mentor and adviser. She is currently the Breid-McFarland Professor of Science. Throughout her 23 years at Grinnell she has been a champion for diversity in the sciences. She is exceptionally committed to promoting access to science for all students and particularly for students underrepresented in the sciences, as evidenced by her work as co-director of the Grinnell Science Project.

Elaine holds a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University, and received her Ph.D. in chemistry from the California Institute of Technology. Her teaching and research are testament to our world-class faculty. Her core teaching responsibilities are in general and physical chemistry; she has also co-taught several course in policy studies. Her research program focuses on the structure and dynamics of peptides and proteins in both solution and gas phases, and she has collaboratively worked with more than 70 Grinnell students. She has received grants from NSF to support both teaching and research, including support to develop modular curricular materials for physical chemistry that introduce students to kinetics, quantum mechanics, and spectroscopy using context-rich pedagogy.

Time and again, Elaine has proven willing to take on additional responsibilities in service to the College while fulfilling her many faculty roles. She has served on multiple committees, including the Executive Council and Personnel Committee, and as Chair of the Faculty and as the Faculty Athletic Representative.

Among the initiatives that Elaine has prioritized for this coming year are:

• supporting teaching and learning in the new 7.5-week term model,
• continuing ongoing work around student belonging and persistence,
• supporting the work of the Liberal Arts, particular the ability to develop nuanced, multifaceted understandings of challenging questions and problems,
• to develop adaptive skills to changing conditions and foster learning in community.

I am grateful that Elaine has agreed to serve as Interim Dean of the College and Vice President for Academic Affairs through the course of this academic year, allowing us to maintain our focus on academic excellence and continuity in the months ahead.

Please join me in thanking Elaine for her dedicated service. We are fortunate indeed to be able to rely upon her vast experience and generous wisdom to help us advance Grinnell’s mission.
 

With gratitude,

Anne F. Harris

President