The College of William and Mary has named nationally renowned ecologist Dr. Derek Aday as its next dean of the School of Marine Science and director of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.
Aday, who will begin in this role at VIMS Sept. 1, is currently head of the Department of Applied Ecology at North Carolina State University, university director of the Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, a fellow of the American Fisheries Society and editor-in-chief of the society’s flagship journal. His selection follows a national search to succeed Dr. John Wells, who is retiring after 17 years at the VIMS helm.
“William and Mary welcomes warmly Dr. Aday to the university community,” said President Katherine A. Rowe.
“Following the exceptional leadership of Dr. Wells, VIMS and the School of Marine Science are positioned to expand the university’s reach globally in the coming decades. And for Virginia, VIMS is vital to ensuring the continued prosperity of the commonwealth’s ecology, economy and coastal communities. Derek Aday’s talents and experiences perfectly match these challenges and opportunities.”
Aday said he is embracing leading VIMS into the future and the continued interdisciplinary work required to solve complex problems facing the waters of the commonwealth, the nation and the world.
Prior to his current position, Aday was assistant dean of academic programs in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NCSU, where he helped develop an innovative curriculum that combines rigorous coursework, independent research and study abroad.
At VIMS, he said he is excited to further strengthen connections between the School of Marine Science and William and Mary.
Aday said he realizes he has big shoes to fill in succeeding current Dean and Director John Wells.
“For nearly two decades, John has done an incredible job of ensuring VIMS meets the educational, advisory and research needs of the state, region and nation, while also positioning VIMS as one of the best marine science institutes in the county. I look forward to working with outstanding faculty, staff and students to build on that tradition of excellence and to ensuring that VIMS remains a recognized leader in terms of solving the challenges of tomorrow.”