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Update, January 31, 2025

After careful review and consultation, UM will not move forward with the proposal to create a combined college of humanities, social sciences, and education. Instead, we will pursue the creation of a College of Humanities and Social Sciences, separate from the PJW College of Education. We will also move ahead with the College of Science proposal. To ensure financial sustainability, the Colleges of Education, Science, and Humanities & Social Sciences will share support services, with the structure of these services shaped in consultation with faculty, staff, and students throughout the spring semester. We also look forward to broader discussions about shared services across Academic Affairs, beginning with our May retreat. Upon Board of Regents approval, interim deans will lead the new colleges as we launch national searches for permanent deans.

Charge

Establish a new College of Science at the ÁÔÆæÖØ¿Ú, bringing together the departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Physics and Astronomy, Mathematical Sciences, Computer Science, and related interdisciplinary programs. In phase one of the planning process, the task force will gather input from departments to address the questions required for a Level II proposal. In phase two, the task force will focus on planning the vision and mission of the new college and preparing for the recruitment of a founding dean, with the search beginning in August 2025 to ensure the dean starts from a position of strength.

Background

In response to increasing opportunities for collaboration and growth in STEM disciplines, the departments of Biological Sciences, Chemistry and Biochemistry, Physics and Astronomy, Mathematical Sciences, and Computer Science have brought forward a proposal to establish a College of Science. This new college structure will: 

• Strengthen UM’s research capabilities, particularly in areas such as data science, computational modeling, biological and physical sciences, and interdisciplinary research in emerging technologies. 

• Improve recruitment and retention of students in STEM fields by providing a cohesive and visible platform for STEM education. 

• Further UM’s ability to provide advanced research that contributes to cross-disciplinary initiatives in health, the environment, energy, and technology. 

The creation of a College of Science will secure the university’s reputation for innovation and excellence in the STEM fields. Collaboration among faculty, students, and external stakeholders will allow the new College to explore new areas of research and public engagement, ensuring that UM remains competitive in the evolving landscape of higher education and scientific discovery.

Task Force

Leadership

John DeBoer, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs

Bruce Bowler, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Membership

John Bardsley, Mathematical Sciences

Kerry Bright, Division of Biological Sciences

Sarah Certel, Division of Biological Sciences (Neuroscience)

Doug Emlen, Division of Biological Sciences

Deborah Good, Physics and Astronomy

Steve Lodmell, Division of Biological Sciences

Yolanda Reimer, Computer Science

Indy Singh, Physics and Astronomy

Aaron Thomas, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Kent Sugden, Chemistry and Biochemistry (Alternate)

*Rich Bridges retired as Associate Dean of Biological Sciences in December 2024. The committee leadership and membership has been updated. 

Spring 2025 Meetings

As a courtesy, these sessions are open to the public, with the first five minutes reserved for public comment. No official decisions will be made during these meetings.

Past Meetings

Meetings were held in Fall 2024 to discuss discuss and plan the College of Science proposal. The Faculty Senate will publicly consider this proposal during Spring 2025.