University President John J. DeGioia announced Monday that Timothy Barbari, the dean of the graduate school of arts and sciences since August 2006, will not carry out a second term in his position. Barbari’s current term will conclude at the end of this semester.
Gerald Mara will serve as dean of the graduate school for a two-year term after Barbari steps down in May. Prior to his appointment, Mara served as an associate dean in the graduate school of arts and sciences. Mara also has already served as interim dean once before, after former Dean David Lightfoot left the position for a leadership role at the National Science Foundation.
DeGioia and the Office of the Provost will embark on a formal search for a long-term successor for Barbari during Mara’s term,
DeGioia said that he was thankful for the dedication and leadership Barbari displayed during his tenure as dean.
“I am truly grateful for Dean Barbari’s service to the Graduate School and our entire community,” he said in an email to the university community. “I look forward to being together with many of you in the months ahead as we find ways to celebrate and thank him for his many contributions to Georgetown.”
During his term as dean, Barbari oversaw the creation of nine new graduate programs, including the doctorate in computer science, the doctorate in global infectious disease and the master’s in global history. Barbari also worked with Vice President of Student Affairs Todd Olson to establish a working group dedicated to improving graduate student life at Georgetown. He was also highly involved in the planning of the new Science Center.
Barbari, also an associate provost for research for the university, will continue to hold his position as a tenured faculty member.
Prior to accepting the position at Georgetown, Barbari worked as director of the National Science Foundation REU site and a professor in the department of chemical and biomolecular engineering at the University of Maryland at College Park. He also served as a professor in the department of chemical engineering and associate dean for academic affairs at Johns Hopkins University.
