Published: Feb. 10, 2021

Editor's note: A previous version of this article included the finalists' names, which have been removed for privacy.

ŷڱƵ Boulder Provost Russ Moore has announced that the search for a new dean for the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) did not result in a hire for the post. The search has been halted and a new search process will begin later in the year.

In a letter to the CEAS, Moore said the search committee identified a “consensus lead candidate” to whom an offer was made, but the candidate “elected not to accept our offer and to remain in a current position to pursue new and personally fulfilling professional opportunities.”

Moore is not naming who among the finalists for the position was the consensus lead candidate because “I want to honor the confidentiality of that candidate and of the other candidates in the search.”

“While I am disappointed in this outcome, it is not a reflection on our College ofEngineering and Applied Science, our university or the excellent work of our search committee,” Moore wrote in the letter. “The searchcommittee’s chair and the search committee are to be congratulated for their hard work and for selecting a diverse pool of candidates.”

Moore stated a goal for having a new dean in place sometime in the spring 2022 semester.

Moore said that Keith Molenaar has agreed to “extend his role as the interim dean to provide strong and steady leadership for the CEAS until a new dean is found.”

“Keith has informed me he will not be a candidate for the permanent position,” Moore said.

Moore emphasized in the letter that he believed the effort of seeking a new dean “positions CEAS more strongly to seek new leadership. Meanwhile, I know you will continue the outstanding, world-class work you are doing as students, faculty and staff—work that has distinguished you, CEAS and the University of ŷڱƵ Boulder.”