Faculty, Unite

When Timothy Holbrook was named associate dean of faculty at the School of Law six years ago, he saw the appointment as a natural next step that closely aligned with his interests.

“I entered the academy not only to be a scholar but to help develop people,” explains Holbrook, Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Law and an internationally recognized patent law scholar.

In the classroom, Holbrook found deep personal satisfaction in helping students learn and advance toward their career objectives—a role he also enjoyed while he worked with scholars and colleagues as associate dean of faculty for Emory Law.

Now Holbrook will have the opportunity to pursue that goal within the larger university community. Dwight A. McBride, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, has announced that Holbrook has been appointed vice provost for faculty affairs.

“His history of cultivating a rewarding scholarly environment for faculty, and his ability to see and implement best practices to foster faculty diversity and community, are essential to shaping Emory’s academic eminence across the university through collaboration and research.”

As vice provost for faculty affairs, Holbrook will oversee activities across campus that support faculty recruitment, retention, and success at the university level, including working with the Center for Faculty Development and Excellence, the Emeritus College, the Tenure and Promotion Advisory Committee, and university policies that impact faculty life.

In his new role, Holbrook says he looks forward to helping make sure that faculty hiring committees follow best practices for inclusive searches. The appointment also offers an exciting opportunity to work with McBride in the quest to “develop and celebrate our faculty across the university and hopefully bring a greater sense of unity, a reminder that we are all part of the larger institution,” he says.