I am pleased to announce that Deputy Provost Janet Blume will serve as Interim Dean of the Graduate School, effective August 1, 2025. This follows the news last week that Thomas A. Lewis, dean of the Graduate School, will step down from his role at Brown on July 31, 2025.

Janet is a deeply respected member of our academic community and brings a wealth of experience and steady leadership to this role. A tenured faculty member in the School of Engineering, Janet has served in numerous key academic leadership positions, including deputy dean of the faculty and interim chair of several academic departments. As deputy provost, she plays a central role in shaping and advancing the academic mission of the University. She will continue to serve as Deputy Provost while taking on this interim role.

As interim dean, Janet will lead the strong team in the Graduate School in working with academic programs across the University to sustain excellence in doctoral and MFA education and support student success. I appreciate the dedication of the staff who will work collaboratively through this transition to ensure the continued success of the Graduate School.

Plans regarding an internal search for a permanent dean will be shared in the coming weeks. It is our goal to have a new dean in place by early 2026.

Please join me in thanking Janet for her continued service and leadership in this new capacity.

Sincerely,

Francis J. Doyle III

Provost