David Lindstrom, professor of social science, will become the dean of Brown’s Graduate School on Jan. 1, 2026, Provost Francis Doyle wrote in a Monday Today@Brown announcement. He will succeed Thomas Lewis ’90, the previous dean who departed the University on July 31, and Deputy Provost Janet Blume, who has filled the position in an interim role since.
In his new position, Lindstrom will “lead the implementation of a strategic vision,” as well as help oversee finances, admissions and the staff for the Graduate School, Doyle wrote in the announcement.
Lindstrom has served three terms as director of graduate studies for the Department of Sociology and previously served as the Graduate School’s associate dean of academic affairs from 2007 to 2010. Lindstrom has also advised numerous graduate students on master’s theses and doctoral dissertations, according to the announcement.
When Lindstrom first arrived in College Hill in 1994, he started as an assistant professor in the Department of Sociology — a department he has since chaired twice. He has also formerly served as director of the Center for Latin American Studies.
In the sociology department, Lindstrom has founded and directed multiple programs, including the undergraduate concentration in social analysis and research and the master’s degree in social data analytics. The two programs “account for nearly 40% of graduating students in sociology,” according to the announcement. In addition, Lindstrom, who is also a faculty associate in the population studies and training center, created the migration studies certificate.
In 1995, Lindstrom earned his doctorate degree in sociology from the University of Chicago, where he also obtained a master’s in sociology and statistics in 1990. He completed his undergraduate education in history and sociology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Lindstrom’s “experience leading large, international research collaborations gives him a strong understanding of how to facilitate impactful educational experiences for students,” Doyle wrote in the announcement. “Combined with his experience as a collaborative leader and problem-solver, I am confident in his ability to work with partners across campus to enhance doctoral education at Brown.”
Lindstrom did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Ian Ritter is a university news and science & research editor, covering graduate schools and students. He is a junior concentrating in chemistry. When he isn’t at The Herald or exploding lab experiments, you can find him playing the clarinet or watching the Mets.
