Agustín Rayo named interim dean of SHASS
Provost Martin Schmidt appoints the professor of philosophy and former associate dean to the role, launches search committee.
Agustín Rayo
“Even as we move to a more active campus in September, I’m mindful that the pandemic affected our community in many ways. As part of this interim role, I want to make sure that staff, faculty, and students have the support they need as we continue our transition to a post-pandemic normal.”
— Dean Rayo, interim dean of SHASS
MIT Provost Martin A. Schmidt has named professor of philosophy Agustín Rayo PhD ’01 as interim dean of MIT School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (SHASS), effective Aug. 18. The appointment comes in response to the announcement that SHASS Dean Melissa Nobles will become MIT’s chancellor later this summer.
Schmidt also appointed a 10-member advisory committee chaired by Caspar Hare, professor of philosophy, to select the next SHASS Kenan Sahin Dean. The committee members are Stephanie Ann Frampton (Literature), Malick Ghachem (History), Jonathan Gruber (Economics), Sabine Iatridou (Linguistics), Graham Jones (Anthropology), Clapperton Chakanetsa Mavhunga (Science, Technology, and Society), Janet Sonenberg (Theater Arts), Kathleen Thelen (Political Science), and Jing Wang (Comparative Media Studies/Writing).
“Agustín is an experienced, thoughtful, and engaging leader who values excellence and carries with him a sincere respect for the SHASS community,” says Schmidt. “I am grateful to him for accepting this interim position during this time of transition. I am confident that the advisory committee members are well-positioned to identify a slate of top candidates for this important post. On behalf of our community, I thank them for their service to SHASS and look forward to the results of their work.”
Suggested links
Really, You're a Philosopher?
Rayo's explanation of what he does; written for non-philosophers
Rayo's course on edX: Paradox and Infinity
An introduction to highlights from the technical side of philosophy
Related: Melissa Nobles named MIT’s next chancellor
Mission of the MIT School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences