Penn begins search for next Weitzman School of Design dean

Penn announced the formation of an advisory committee to help select the next dean of the Stuart Weitzman School of Design on Tuesday.

According to an announcement from Penn President Larry Jameson and Provost John Jackson Jr., the consultative committee includes seven faculty, two students, and two alumni. Current School of Design Dean Frederick Steiner has held the title since 2016 and will serve in the role through June 30, 2027. 

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed serving as Dean of the Weitzman School as well as being the Paley Professor,” Steiner wrote in a statement. “We have a fabulous community of students, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends at the Weitzman School. I plan to return to teaching in landscape architecture and city planning at Penn after my term as Dean ends next summer.”

Jameson and Jackson wrote in the announcement that the committee will accept “nominations and input from all members of the University community” until Oct. 31. Graduate School of Education Dean Katharine Strunk will serve as the committee’s chair.

The faculty members include five professors appointed to the School of Design: Francesca Ammon, Sharon Hayes, Rashida Ng, Catherine Seavitt, and Lisa Servon. History and sociology of science professor David Barnes and emergency medicine professor Eugenia South will also serve on the committee.

The committee also includes School of Design master’s students Sydney Jones and Mic Ma, as well as 2000 School of Design graduate Mark Gardner and 2001 Wharton graduate Matthew Nord, who serves as chair of the school’s board of advisors. 

Senior Vice President for Institutional Affairs Joann Mitchell is listed as an ex officio member. Deputy Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor to the President Pierce Buller and Senior Director of Special Projects Eugene Vaynberg will serve as staff to the committee.

The group’s work will be supported by Jackie Zavitz and Meghan Ashbrock, consultants from the executive search firm Heidrick & Struggles. The firm has previously supported searches at Baylor University and Davidson College.

Steiner’s deanship, initially set to last until 2023, was extended in 2021 and again in 2024. While in the role, he oversaw several initiatives and expansions at the school, including new scholarships. In 2019, the school was renamed for fashion designer and 1963 Wharton graduate Stuart Weitzman, who provided a major donation that relieved financial strain.

In February, the school unveiled the renovation of Stuart Weitzman Hall, improving studio facilities and adding multipurpose spaces designed to increase collaboration.

Penn has another ongoing consultative committee shaping the search for the University’s next president. This summer, Jameson announced that he will step down from his post as planned next June.

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