We write to share the exciting news that Sarah Kirk has been appointed Provost and Dean of Faculty at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York. She has informed us that she will conclude her work at Willamette this June 29 and start at HWS on July 1.
Until then, Sarah will serve as Associate Provost for Academic Affairs where she will help manage university-wide projects, including reorganizing the campus sustainability committee and developing a plan for summer programming. She will also help identify a structure for the Provost Office that can provide more comprehensive academic support across the institution.
Sarah Kirk is currently Special Assistant to the Dean for STEM Education and Research, Director of the First-Year Experience, and Professor of Chemistry. Most recently, she served as the Acting Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences following a five-year rotating term as the Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Development. In all of the roles she has served, Sarah has been deeply engaged in strengthening our work to promote equity, inclusion and access. Sarah has left an indelible mark on our students who were dedicated to pursuing careers in science or healthcare and on our undergraduate faculty in whose professional development and growth she felt personally vested.
We look forward to the opportunity to come together as a community and recognize the many ways that Sarah has enriched and strengthened our university.
While it is always sad to see a valued member of the community leave, Sarah’s talent for leadership has always been evident, and we have been happy to support her passion to grow as a leader over the years. Please join us in expressing our congratulations and deep appreciation to Sarah for her tireless efforts and her dedication to our Willamette community.