Dear University of Miami Community,
Roni Avissar, who has served as dean of the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science since 2009, shared that he intends to step down from his post and will return to the faculty at the Rosenstiel School.
While the University conducts an international search for his replacement, Dean Avissar has agreed to remain in place until a new dean is on board.
Dean Avissar is an internationally recognized atmospheric scientist who, during his 15-year tenure at the Rosenstiel School, has pioneered research-based undergraduate education, reengineered academic program offerings, and created new undergraduate and graduate programs, including a Master of Professional Science degree program that filled a national education gap for students interested in pursuing careers in fields other than research. He also leads his own research projects on hurricane forecasting and climate simulations based on the Helicopter Observation Platform and Ocean-Land-Atmosphere Model.
Among his notable accomplishments, Dean Avissar has overseen an ambitious strategic plan that reorganized the Rosenstiel School into five departments and recognized the need to expand the school’s name in 2022 to better reflect research and teaching encompassing all aspects of the Earth system.
In addition, under Dean Avissar’s leadership, the Rosenstiel School has:
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Garnered nearly $200 million in fundraising support and grown its endowment to nearly $75 million.
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Invested in its infrastructure, opening the Marine Technology and Life Sciences Seawater Complex, which houses the Alfred C. Glassell Jr. SUrge-STructure-Atmosphere-INteraction (SUSTAIN) Laboratory.
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Opened a Scientific Dive Training Facility, one of only a few in the nation, that allows the Rosenstiel School to offer scientific freediving to enhance underwater research.
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Endowed four new research centers, five new professorships, and multiple undergraduate and graduate student fellowships.
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Boosted its research activity, with Rosenstiel School faculty members and research scientists generating approximately $75 million in total research expenditure last academic year.
In the coming weeks, we look forward to consulting with the faculty and key stakeholders as we begin the search for a new dean. We extend our gratitude to Dean Avissar as he continues to lead the Rosenstiel School during this transition.
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Joe Echevarria
CEO and Acting President |
Guillermo “Willy” Prado
Interim Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
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