New Dean of International Programs and Research Named

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. – Lily Young, professor II in the Department of Environmental Sciences at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, has been named the first dean of international programs and research for the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences, effective this month.

“Internationalizing the curriculum and providing more global learning opportunities for our students have been top priorities for me,” said Robert M. Goodman, executive dean of the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. “With the creation of this position, I anticipate greater awareness of, and participation in, our international research and learning programs.”

As dean of international programs and research, Young will survey and organize into a comprehensive structure all of the international programs that are currently in place at the school. She will also enhance and expand the variety of study abroad programs that are offered to students. In particular, Young said that she is interested in finding programs that cater to the unique needs of School of Environmental and Biological Sciences students, who have traditionally been underserved by programs aimed at students of the humanities. Young has also expressed an interest in establishing and promoting more “2+2” programs that would bring students from other countries to Rutgers to complete their degree work. Young noted that she plans to work with faculty to develop new international relationships and collaborations that support and build upon the school’s mission.

“I am certain that Lily will succeed in all of these areas as she brings to the table many years of experience through her own interactions and collaborations with colleagues abroad,” Goodman said. “With her broad experience, ties to the international community, and unique perspective on undergraduate education, Lily is an ideal choice to lead our school as we articulate our vision of an international education.”

Young received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in bacteriology from Cornell and her doctorate in environmental microbiology from Harvard. Young joined the Department of Environmental Sciences and the Biotechnology Center for Agriculture and the Environment in 1992 and was promoted to professor II in 1998. Since 2002, Young has served as chair of the Department of Environmental Sciences, a position that will now be filled by Professor Robert Tate. From 1998 to 2003, Young was associate dean for graduate studies. From 2004 to 2005, she served on the Task Force on Undergraduate Education.