PROVIDENCE – In replacing its dean of the college, Brown University has chosen one of its own.
Rashid Zia, a member of the Brown Class of 2001 and an associate professor of engineering and physics at the Ivy League school, will step into the role effective July 1, according to a statement made by the university on Friday.
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He replaces Maud S. Mandel, who left Brown to lead Williams College in Williamstown, Mass. as its 18th president.
In remarks included in the school’s Friday announcement, Zia said he felt “extremely fortunate” to serve after Mandel and her team.
“As a faculty member, I’ve had a chance to see how much this staff has helped change the lives of my students. I’m proud to be joining them,” he said.
In a message to the school community on Thursday, Provost Richard M. Locke cited Zia’s commitment to the school and impact within the School of Engineering as part of the reasoning for his appointment.
“Rashid is an accomplished scholar and dedicated teacher, and his love for Brown was apparent throughout the selection process,” said Locke in his remarks. “Rashid brings a unique understanding of the value of Brown’s Open Curriculum and the importance of a liberal arts education.”
As dean of the college, Brown’s senior-most undergraduate academic officer, Zia will be responsible for overseeing the school’s Open Curriculum program, academic advising, international study opportunities and classroom instruction.
He will report to Provost Locke and will serve as a member of the president’s cabinet and executive committee.
Zia graduated from Brown with a combined A.B. in English and American literature and a Sc.B. in engineering before going on to receive a master’s degree and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Stanford University.
He has served as a Brown faculty member, researcher and in various other positions since 2006. In that time his research has focused on combining electrical engineering, materials science, optical physics and physical chemistry to better understand the interaction of light and matter.
For his discoveries, Zia has been the recipient of a National Science Foundation CAREER Award and a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the United States government for young researchers.
He led research on a $7.5 million, six-year research project for the U.S. Air Force, the Multidisciplinary University Research Initiative on Quantum Metaphotonics & Metamaterials, in which 10 investigators and more than 30 students postdocs participated.
Emily Gowdey-Backus is a staff writer for PBN. You can follow her on Twitter @FlashGowdey or contact her via email, gowdey-backus@pbn.com.
