David C. Wilson, senior associate dean for the social
sciences, and professor of political science and of psychological and brain
sciences, has been appointed dean of the Richard and Rhoda Goldman School of
Public Policy at the University of California Berkeley. Wilson will begin his
new role effective July 1.
“David has been an integral part of the senior
leadership team of the College of Arts and Sciences for nearly eight years, and
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside him for the past
six years,” says John A. Pelesko, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.
“During his time in the Dean’s Office, David has been instrumental in advancing
the social sciences and the college as a whole. His creativity, insight,
unwavering commitment to excellence, and leadership will be missed by all. I
will miss David as a valued colleague and a friend, but I know he’ll be
tremendously successful at UC Berkeley. I wish him all the best on his next
adventure.”
Wilson oversees the social sciences in CAS, including
six academic departments and several research centers and interdisciplinary
academic programs. He holds appointments in the departments of Political
Science and International Relations, Psychological and Brain Sciences, and
previously also in Africana Studies. Wilson helped to establish and administer
the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy & Administration.
Wilson’s research examines the
effects of social information on public opinion and political behavior using
survey experiments. He specializes in survey measurement, political
communication, and public opinion on racial attitudes, and is currently
examining opinions on voter ID laws. Before coming to UD in 2006, he worked for
The Gallup Organization, SPSS Inc., and Pacific Institute for Research and
Evaluation.
Reflecting on his tenure at UD, Wilson said, “While I
am taking on a new leadership and faculty role at another institution, I have a
deep appreciation, respect and fondness for the University of Delaware and the
broader Delaware community. Since my arrival in 2006, I have been welcomed with
collegiality and championing, and I owe any successes I’ve had to my backers
and challengers alike. I have learned a great deal about higher education,
especially its challenges and opportunities, from our outstanding
administrators, faculty, staff, students and alumni; and I have learned about
the importance of community from the many friends of the University in the
Wilmington and New Castle area. Although I will be moving on, I will continue
to spread the gospel about the ‘small wonder’ of the state, and the vast
promise of our institution. Once a Blue Hen, Always a Blue Hen.”
A graduate of Western Kentucky University, Wilson
received two master’s degrees and a doctorate from Michigan State University.
Plans for the appointment of an associate dean for the
social sciences will be announced in the coming weeks.
