Rodney Priestley, a chemical and biological engineering professor with expertise in materials science and Princeton’s inaugural vice dean for innovation, has been named dean of the University’s graduate school, effective June 1.
Priestley’s priorities as dean will include diversifying the student body, cultivating a more inclusive and welcoming environment, broadening professional and career development, and innovating in the humanities, according to a University announcement.
Priestley joined the faculty in 2009. Since 2021, he has been co-director of the National Science Foundation Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Northeast Hub, a job that he will continue as dean. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University and a Ph.D. from Northwestern University, and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at École Supérieure de Physique et de Chimie Industrielles in Paris.
Deputy Dean Cole Crittenden *05 has served as acting dean since last July, when philosophy professor Sarah-Jane Leslie *07 left the position.