Paul Sniegowski

Steven J. Fluharty, dean of the School of Arts & Sciences announced the appointment of Paul Sniegowski, professor of biology, as the Stephen A. Levin Family Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences, effective July 1.

“A distinguished evolutionary biologist and award-winning teacher, Paul has demonstrated a deep commitment to excellence in liberal arts education and to student well-being that positions him well to lead our undergraduate programs,” said Dr. Fluharty.

Dr. Sniegowki’s research on population and evolutionary genetics has been widely published in top journals and supported by NASA, the National Science Foundation, and the National Institutes of Health. He is also dedicated to public outreach on the implications of evolution and how it is taught.

Any look at his involvement in undergraduate education begins with his own teaching, which is hailed by students and faculty alike for its rigor and clarity but also his personal attention to students, whether in large lecture courses, in small seminars, or as a research mentor. He was recognized in 2005 with the School’s highest teaching honor, the Ira H. Abrams Award, and has twice won the department of biology’s Excellence in Teaching Award.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Sniegowki’s thoughtful engagement on undergraduate matters has long made him sought after for roles around academic and student policy. From 2012 to 2016 he chaired the School’s Committee on Undergraduate Education; he has also chaired the Faculty Senate Committee on Students and Educational Policy, served on the faculty advisory boards of the College of Liberal and Professional Studies and the Center for Teaching and Learning, and chaired the SAS Teaching Awards Committee. Since 2011 he has served as the disciplinary hearing officer for the University’s Office of Student Conduct and Office of the Sexual Violence Investigative Officer.

He has spent his entire faculty career, since 1997, at Penn. He is a member of the graduate groups in biology (which he chaired from 2005 to 2011), genomics and computational biology, and history and sociology of science. He received a bachelor’s degree. in violin performance from the Indiana University School of Music, an master’s degree in biology from Indiana University, and a PhD in evolutionary biology from the University of Chicago.

Dr. Sniegowki succeeds Dennis DeTurck, (Almanac January 11, 2005) who stepped down after 12 years as College Dean. Dr. Fluharty also expressed sincere appreciation to Andrew Binns, former vice provost for education, for his service as interim dean of the College this past semester.