Dear Colleagues,

I’m pleased to announce that Professor of Engineering Rod Beresford, currently senior associate dean for academic programs for the School of Engineering, has agreed to serve as associate provost for academic space, effective September 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020. Rod succeeds Professor Leah VanWey, who was appointed dean of the School for Professional Studies earlier this summer.

The associate provost for academic space is a half-time position that reports directly to the provost and advises on planning and managing space and facilities-related projects in support of the University’s academic mission. A critical aspect of the role is serving as a liaison between faculty and Facilities Management, helping to understand and convey the space and infrastructure needs of faculty, and to identify and advocate for approaches and solutions to meet scholarly goals within budgetary parameters.  

Rod brings a depth of knowledge and experience to this position, having ably served in this role from 2010 to 2014. Rod joined the Brown community in 1990, and has held a number of academic and administrative positions over nearly three decades. In his role as associate dean for academic programs for the School of Engineering, Rod was instrumental in facilitating the successful development of the Engineering Research Center, which was completed in October 2017, ensuring it met the School’s overall teaching, research and community priorities.

A prolific scholar, Rod has published more than 70 scientific and technical papers on semiconductor materials and devices. His current research emphasizes synthesis of nanostructures and microelectronic / microfluidic systems. He has worked on molecular beam epitaxial growth of III-V semiconductors since 1987, and served on the Advisory Board of the North American MBE Conference. He is a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and a member of the American Physical Society, and Sigma Xi. He earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in electrical engineering from Yale University, and his PhD from Columbia University. 

I am grateful to Rod for taking on this role, and look forward to working with him in the year ahead.

Regards,

Richard M. Locke
Provost