The University of Alabama has launched its national search for the dean of the new School of Leadership and Policy.
The search advisory committee will begin reviewing applications immediately and will continue to accept applications and nominations until the position is filled. The deadline for best consideration for the position is March 27, 2026.
The University has engaged Parker Executive Search in Atlanta to assist with the national search.
Leadership & Policy Dean Search Advisory Committee
| Dr. Mark Brandon | Academic director of the Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership and the Thomas E. McMillan Professor of Law at the UA School of Law |
| Dr. Peter Brummund | Associate professor of economics, Culverhouse College of Business |
| Angus R. Cooper III | UA System Board of Trustees |
| Dr. Rona Donahoe | Professor of geological sciences, Barefield College of Arts & Sciences |
| Mark Foley | Secretary of the UA System Board of Trustees |
| Stewart Hall | UA alumnus and chair of the Shelby Scholars Advisory Board |
| Marah Inman | UA Student |
| Dr. Bob Johnson Jr. | Professor of educational leadership, College of Education |
| Dr. James King Jr. | Associate dean for culture and success and the Minnie Caddell Miles-Frank A. Rose Memorial Endowed C&BA Professorship of Leadership, Culverhouse College of Business |
| Dan Layzell | Vice president for finance and operations |
| Jody Singer | UA alumna and former director of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center |
| Dr. Joseph Smith | Professor of political science, Barefield College of Arts & Sciences |
| Dr. Gregory B. Thompson | Distinguished University Research Professor, Lee J. Styslinger Jr. College of Engineering |
| Katie B. Thompson (Non-voting member) | University counsel, Office of Counsel |
Search Timeline
| December 2025 | Provost appoints and convenes search advisory committee |
| Jan/March 2026 | Job posts, candidate recruitment takes place |
| March 27 | Preferred applicant deadline |
| March/April | Candidate screening and initial reviews |
| Late April/May | Campus interviews and visits with SLP Faculty Advisory Committee, Faculty Senate Steering Committee |
| Late May/June 2026 | Expected appointment and announcement of new dean |