James Nagy, the Samuel Candler Dobbs Professor and chair of the Department of Mathematics at Emory, has been appointed as dean of the Emory College of Arts and Sciences, effective Aug. Nagy, a longtime Emory College faculty member and leader, will provide continuity and momentum through the coming academic year while the search for a long-term dean continues, according to Badia Ahad, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “James Nagy is widely respected across the college and university,” says Ahad.
“His deep understanding of Emory’s culture, his wisdom and his steady leadership will enable the college to continue building on its strengths while we complete the national search launched this spring.” Over the coming months, the search advisory committee co-chaired by Ahad and Robert Liu, professor in the Department of Biology, will continue working closely with search partners Isaacson, Miller to engage a larger pool of accomplished candidates and capitalize on the fall recruitment cycle. “Emory College sits at the intellectual heart of our university,” says Ahad. “The next dean will shape the academic experience of thousands of students, strengthen one of the nation’s leading liberal arts colleges, support an exceptional faculty and help define Emory’s trajectory for years to come.
“As stewards of Emory’s mission and values, we are committed to identifying the right leader for this moment in the college’s history — one whose demonstrated record of success, leadership experience and creative vision best aligns with both the needs and the exceptional opportunities ahead for Emory College.” Joseph Crespino, senior associate dean of faculty, divisional dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, and the Jimmy Carter Professor of History, has served as interim dean since January 2026. Ahad expressed gratitude for Crespino stepping into the role at an important time and for his deep commitment to Emory College. Crespino will return to his regular duties on Aug.
7, and Nagy will begin his term on Aug. 10, with plans to return to the Department of Mathematics after taking a sabbatical at the end of his term in summer 2027. Emory roots, focused on the future After more than 25 years on the Emory faculty, Nagy brings deep institutional knowledge and a distinguished record of research, teaching and academic leadership to …
Summary from source