Office of the Dean
Date March 25, 2026
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Launching the Search for our next Associate Dean of Education

By Interim Dean Francesca L. Beaudoin

This week, we are officially launching an open search for a permanent Associate Dean of Education at the School of Public Health. This is a pivotal leadership role that works closely with faculty, department chairs and school leadership to execute a comprehensive strategy in support of all SPH degree programs.

For external candidates, the position comes with a faculty appointment on the Teaching Scholar or Professor of the Practice track. Internal candidates would retain their current appointment. Candidates should have a doctoral degree and a track record in teaching, curriculum design and higher education leadership. We look forward to appointing a visionary leader who will ensure that SPH continues to deliver a student-centered experience grounded in academic excellence and focused on student success. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, although priority will be given to those submitted by May 1, 2026. 

A search committee for this position has been established with the following membership. I extend my thanks to the committee in advance for their work on this key search for our school.

  • Chair: David Meyers, associate professor of health services, policy and practice and director of the doctoral program in health services research
  • Joann Barao, assistant director of applied learning
  • Annie Gjelsvik, professor of epidemiology and EEO representative
  • Patrick Kelly, doctoral candidate in behavioral and social sciences
  • Lyubov Niemann, director of finance and administration, School of Professional Studies
  • Alice Paul, associate professor of biostatistics and director of biostatistics
  • Malabika Sarker, Ashwin Pannalal Kothari Professor of the Practice of Behavioral and Social Sciences, associate dean of global engagement

Since February 2025, Dr. Scott Rivkees has been serving as the acting associate dean of education, navigating a variety of challenges and initiating change with a steadfast focus on our students’ educational needs. Under his leadership, we have successfully implemented curriculum adaptations, including revitalizing our in-person MPH program and enhancing the experience for our online students. These changes remain true to our mission of improving the health of vulnerable populations while introducing more personalized, rigorous, skills-based experiences for our students. 

I am very grateful to Scott for his service in this role. 

I am looking forward to the search for our next Associate Dean of Education and all of the possibilities it brings. If you are interested or know of a purpose-driven leader with a passion for public health education, please direct them to the posting on Interfolio. 

Sincerely,

Francesca L. Beaudoin, M.D., Ph.D. 
Interim Dean, School of Public Health