A New Role for Jerry Seaman

Dear Colleagues,

I write to share the glad news that, as of July 1, 2025, Jerry Seaman will be serving as Special Advisor to the President for Strategy. As many of you know, over the last months, Jerry has led scenario planning for the academic enterprise and has been a collaborative thought partner to me and many others as Grinnell College navigates a rapidly changing external environment. His thoughtful, inclusive, and data-driven approach to addressing emerging issues has been both welcome and valuable during his time as interim Dean.

In this new role, Jerry will work closely with the Office of Community Partnerships, Planning and Research to lead campus-wide work on the strategic plan and engage the campus in cross-divisional strategic initiatives to support both Grinnell’s long-term goals and engagement with emerging issues in higher education. His familiarity with Grinnell, his experience in academic leadership, and his past work with The Registry and Credo Higher Education Consulting will help me, the Board of Trustees, and other members of leadership engage the campus in collaborative decision-making, short- and long-term planning, and enhance Grinnell’s readiness to meet the ongoing and new challenges.

I am grateful that Jerry’s wise counsel, strategic focus, and exceptional facilitation skills will continue to benefit our campus and community. Please join me in welcoming him to this new role.I am grateful that Jerry’s wise counsel, strategic focus, and exceptional facilitation skills will continue to benefit our campus and community. Please join me in welcoming him to this new role.

A reminder to join us on the Nollen House lawn, today, Friday, May 9 from 4-5 to thank Jerry for his service as Dean and to celebrate the promotion, tenure, and move to Senior Faculty and Emerite Status of the esteemed colleagues listed below my signature.

Warmly,

Anne F. Harris
President

Promoted from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor with tenure 

• Dustin Dixon, Classics 
• Nicole Eikmeier, Computer Science 
• Fredo Rivera, Art History 
• Elias Saba, History and Religious Studies 

Promoted from Associate Professor to Associate Professor with tenure 

• Idelle Cooper, Biology 
• John Thabiti Willis, African Diaspora Studies  

Promoted to the rank of Professor with tenure 

• Xavier Escandell, Sociology
• Andrew Graham, Chemistry 
• Danielle Lussier, Political Science 
• Hâle Utar, Economics 

Awarded tenure 

• Robin Strangfeld, Studio Art 

Moving to Senior Faculty Status 

• Jennifer Brown, Music 
• Kevin Engel, Library 
• Wayne Moyer, Political Science 

Moving to Emeriti Status 

• Jonathan Andelson, Anthropology 
• Vicki Bentley-Condit, Anthropology 
• Lesley Delmenico, Theatre 
• Evelyn Freeman, Physical Education 
• William Freeman, Physical Education 
• Erin Hurley, Physical Education
• Kesho Scott, American Studies 
• Laura Sinnett, Psychology 
• Jim Swartz, Chemistry