Thayer School of Engineering dean Joseph Helble has been appointed as the College’s next provost by College President Phil Hanlon. Helble will assume the position in October, when interim provost David Kotz ’86 steps down from his role. Kotz became interim provost after former provost Carolyn Dever announced that she would return to teaching on Nov. 22 of last year following four years in the position.
As provost, Helble will serve as the College's chief academic officer, working with the academic deans to oversee the College’s constituent schools and ensure its academic integrity. He will also provide oversight of all student-related programs, including enrollment management, admissions and financial aid. Working with executive vice president Rick Mills, Helble will play a significant role in managing the College’s academic budget.
Helble has served four terms as Thayer’s dean, totaling almost 13 years. Under his tenure, Thayer nearly doubled its enrollment, created the first engineering innovation doctoral program in the country and became the first engineering school to grant more bachelor’s degrees to women than to men.
Helble was appointed following a national search effort led by anthropology professor Deborah Nichols. According to a College press release, Dartmouth will soon name an interim Thayer dean to replace Helble and will begin a national search for his permanent replacement this summer.
