Dean & Director
The VIMS Dean & Director has ultimate responsibility for overseeing more than 500 faculty, staff, and students across 3 campuses and housed in 3 academic sections, 4 research centers, and 10 supporting units (Office of Finance, Information Technology, Facilities Management, Analytical Services, Hargis Library, Safety and Environmental Programs, Office of Sponsored Programs, Vessel Operations, Marine Advisory Program, and Communications, Marketing, & Public Engagement). The Batten School & VIMS exist on a main campus in Gloucester Point, VA (approximately 13 miles for William & Mary’s Williamsburg campus), at the Kauffman Aquaculture Center in Topping, Virginia, and at the Eastern Shore Laboratory in Wachapreague, Virginia.
As the chief executive and academic officer of the school and institute, the VIMS Dean & Director collaborates with, and is supported by, other members of the Dean’s Cabinet who assist in providing the vision, strategic planning, and overall leadership for the Institute as a global leader in coastal resilience and marine research, education, and advisory service. The Dean & Director also leads faculty recruitment, development, evaluation, and retention; government relations in Richmond, VA and Washington, D.C.; and donor development and engagement. With the support of the Cabinet, the Dean & Director’s office oversees the institutional research program; academic affairs; advisory services to the state and region; communications, marketing, and public education; operations and facilities; human resources; advancement; and inclusive excellence and belonging.
With a total budget approaching $200 million and an annual operating budget of $70 million, the Batten School & VIMS are among the largest coastal and marine research and education centers in the United States.