More boring-but-sorta-important administration news: PrezBo just sent word that Carlos J. Alonso, interim dean of GSAS since last September, will take on that position full time. Full email from ‘Bo below.

Also, apparently, “Arts and Sciences always have been, and remain, central to our academic calling of pursuing answers.” So there’s that.

Dear Fellow Members of the Columbia Community:

I am very pleased to announce that Carlos J. Alonso will assume the duties of Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences on a permanent basis, a position he has filled admirably as interim dean since September of last year. In that role, Carlos has demonstrated sensitivity to a range of academic concerns and a determination to advance our institutional goals. His continuing leadership will be extremely valuable in building on Columbia’s great legacy of graduate education.

Carlos has helped lead Columbia in a variety of academic and administrative capacities since arriving here from the University of Pennsylvania in 2005. As chair of the department of Latin American and Iberian Cultures, he succeeded in elevating that department to the top ranks among its peers nationally.

For as long as Columbia has been recognized for its academic excellence, our reputation has been due first and foremost to the quality of our accomplished faculty. The Arts and Sciences always have been, and remain, central to our academic calling of pursuing answers to important questions and then leaving to subsequent generations the gift of new knowledge and insight. With the benefit of Carlos’s stewardship, we can be confident that these proud Columbia traditions will continue. I also must recognize and thank Nick Dirks, Executive Vice President for the Arts and Sciences and Dean of the Faculty, for guiding us through this transition and leading the search committee for the new dean.

Please join me in congratulating Carlos Alonso and wishing him success as Dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

Sincerely,

Lee C. Bollinger

Image via columbia.edu.