Dean, School of Arts & Sciences

After an extensive national search, Isaacson, Miller and the University of Rochester are pleased to announce the appointment of Nicole S. Sampson as the Robert L. and Mary L. Sproull Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, effective August 7, 2023. Dr. Sampson brings with her an impressive background in academia and a commitment to excellence in higher education and student success.

Dr. Sampson currently serves as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Stony Brook University. She joined Stony Brook in 1993 as an assistant professor of chemistry, where she later served as department chair and eventually associate dean and interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. A SUNY Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, Dr. Sampson heads a research laboratory where she focuses on the molecular intricacies of mammalian fertilization, methods for precision synthesis of polymers, and finding new treatments for tuberculosis and cholera.

Dr. Sampson earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Harvey Mudd College, a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, and held an American Cancer Society postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong dedication to advancing knowledge, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and fostering a supportive environment for students, staff, and faculty. Dr. Sampson’s honors and awards include the Camille and Henry Dreyfus New Faculty Award; a National Science Foundation CAREER Award; the Arthur C. Cope Scholar Award and the Pfizer Award in Enzyme Chemistry from the American Chemical Society; and the Research Foundation of SUNY Research and Scholarship Award. She is also a fellow of the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study and a fellow of the American Chemical Society.

As Dean, Dr. Sampson will provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to further enhance the school’s academic programs, research endeavors, and creative pursuits. She brings with her an innovative approach and a commitment to inclusivity that will help strengthen the school’s reputation as a hub of intellectual and artistic exploration. Dr. Sampson will also hold an academic appointment as a professor of chemistry.

Read the full press release here. 

Peter Lange led this search with Robin Dougherty, Clay Batley, and Mindy Cimini.