Regular reviews of school deans are conducted in the fourth year of their five year term by a committee formed by the Executive Committee of the Academic Council, in consultation with the Provost. Such a committee has been appointed to review Fuqua School of Business Dean, Blair Sheppard, who has served in his post since 2007.
Paula McClain, professor of political science, will serve as committee chair. Other committee members include: Nancy Allen (Vice Provost for Faculty Diversity and Faculty Development), Cathy Davidson (English), Mark Leary (Psychology and Neuroscience), Lincoln Pratson (Nicholas School of the Environment), and George Tauchen (Economics).
An important part of the review process is the gathering of opinion from the university's many constituencies. Comments on performance and suggestions for the future are important to the committee's work.
The charge to the committee poses several questions for the review, including
-- strategic leadership of the school including faculty recruitment, retention, and promotion as well as the overall vision of the School; including its international ventures,
-- commitment to diversity and interdisciplinary research and education,
-- communication with faculty and students,
-- administrative competencies including budgetary development and oversight,
-- relationships with other Schools and offices of the University,
-- fund-raising, and more general development activities including donor and alumni relations
The committee invites you to share your thoughts by email or letter. Communication should include the nature of your interactions with Dean Sheppard so that the committee can understand the context of the comments as fully as possible. The committee will discuss responses, and a summary will be included in the written report to the provost. The committee will keep all comments confidential.
The committee would appreciate receiving comments by Friday, Feb. 4.
Send comments electronically to susan.booth@duke.edu with the subject line "Dean Sheppard Review." Letters can also be sent to Susan Booth at Box 90005 Durham, NC 27708 or delivered to room 223 Allen Building. Anyone who would prefer to meet with members of the review committee should call 919-668-2596 to schedule a meeting.