A Letter from Interim Dean Laura D’Andrea Tyson
An outstanding dean lays the groundwork for a seamless transition to his or her successor. Our outstanding dean, Rich Lyons, has done just that. He has assembled a committed and talented staff, and he has identified clear strategic priorities for Berkeley Haas. With support from his team, I will work as interim dean to advance these priorities until a new dean is appointed. I thank Rich for his steady vision and the dedication he has inspired in the members of the Berkeley Haas community.
My main responsibilities over the next few months are to oversee the school’s day-to-day operations, to represent Haas at California Hall with Chancellor Carol T. Christ and Provost Paul Alivisatos, and to ensure a smooth transition to our next accomplished leader. I am honored by the trust that my colleagues and the chancellor’s office have placed in me to carry out these tasks.
The last time I served as dean at Berkeley Haas was some 20 years ago. Since then I have watched our school secure its reputation as one of the world’s top-ranked business schools, recognized as a force for values-driven leadership. The Defining Leadership Principles–Question the Status Quo, Confidence Without Attitude, Students Always, and Beyond Yourself–are now an intrinsic part of our school’s character. These principles are reflected in the school’s commitment to educate future leaders to tackle “wicked” problems and make the world a better place. As faculty director of the Institute for Business & Social Impact, I have witnessed this commitment in action every day.
The chancellor’s office hopes to have a new dean named and in place sometime this fall. In the meantime, know that I will be doing my best to serve the school, guided by its Defining Leadership Principles and strategic priorities.
Sincerely,
Laura D’Andrea Tyson
Interim Dean, Berkeley Haas