Syracuse University’s School of Information Studies held a forum on Monday afternoon to receive community input on the search for a new dean.

The current iSchool Dean Liz Liddy announced in September that she will step down at the end of the 2018-19 academic year. More than 20 faculty and staff members attended the forum in Hinds Hall to discuss the role of the iSchool dean and qualities they want to see in possible candidates.

David Seaman, dean of libraries, university librarian and chair of the search committee, said the committee’s goal is to receive more input into the process as they build a position description. This document, which will advertise the opening and attract qualified candidates, is scheduled to be released before winter break, said Anne Coyle, a candidate search consultant.

Forum attendees emphasized diversity and inclusion when discussing the role of the iSchool. They said the dean should interact with the student body and prioritize their needs and concerns.

One attendee said he would like to see the new dean address diversity at the graduate level, where he said the iSchool depends on international students.

Coyle said during the next few months the search committee will put together “aggressive” outreach.

“We will use whatever strategies we need … so the committee gets to the point where they have a robust, diverse, talented pool,” she said.

Attendees said previous deans have worked to make all faculty members feel equal and create a positive climate, and this is something they look for in the next dean. They also said the dean should be a “community builder” who reaches out to alumni, employers or potential donors and collaborates with other schools and colleges within the university.

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Bruce Kingma, a professor of entrepreneurship in the iSchool, said the dean should have experience in the business field considering the school’s financial role within the university.

“We are a cash cow for the rest of the university and I would like to see that trend reversed,” he said. “I would like to see someone who understands the business model, but also has knowledge of iSchools.”

Faculty members disagreed on the type of experience the next dean should have. Steve Sawyer, director of the iSchool’s doctoral programs, recommended someone who had already held the position of dean at another university. This would make it easier for the new dean to transition, he said.

Other faculty at the forum said they did not consider this a necessity. They said previous deans did not have this qualification and that someone new would contain more enthusiasm. Liddy spent more than 20 years teaching at the iSchool before she was appointed dean in 2008.

The search committee will also provide other feedback opportunities such as an email submission, an online session and an additional open session. Staff will also have the opportunity to directly participate in the recruitment process by giving suggestions on perspective candidates.

Published on November 26, 2018 at 10:11 pm

Contact Abby: akweiss@syr.edu | @abbyweiss_21