Professor of History and Slavic Studies Ethan Pollock has been appointed the next dean of the College, according to a May 6 Today@Brown announcement from Provost Francis Doyle.
Pollock will begin his tenure on July 1, succeeding Professor of Engineering and Physics Rashid Zia ’01, who has served as dean of the College since 2018. Zia plans to go on sabbatical at the end of this academic year, The Herald previously reported.
“Dean Zia and his staff have done, to my mind, a remarkable job of running the college during some challenging times,” Pollock wrote in an email to The Herald. “It is an honor to be following in such esteemed footsteps,” he added.
Pollock, who has served as the chair of the Department of History since 2020, will be responsible for overseeing undergraduate academic deans and staff, as well as undergraduate research opportunities, study abroad programs and academic advising.
“I care deeply about the college, the Open Curriculum and our amazing students and understand that the dean is in many ways responsible for maintaining all of the various elements that allow people to thrive while here,” Pollock wrote.
The announcement comes after a monthslong search process that involved a selection committee comprised of administrators, faculty and undergraduate students.
“Ethan is an exceptionally thoughtful scholar with a deep understanding and appreciation for the College and a commitment to ensuring that students can fully access the singular academic experience that Brown offers,” Doyle wrote in the announcement. “His experience as an accomplished educator, researcher, adviser and academic department leader position him for success in this new role.”
This is a developing story. Check back for more updates.
Aniyah Nelson is a university news editor overseeing the undergraduate student life beat. She is a senior from Cleveland, OH concentrating in political science and sociology. In her free time, she enjoys listening to music and watching bloopers from The Office.
