Office of the Provost

Dear Faculty, Staff, Graduate and Professional Students,

As you all know, Kent Holsinger will be retiring at the end of this academic year after serving 12 years as Dean and Vice Provost and over 38 years overall at UConn. Over the last several months, with your help, we have conducted a search to identify the next incumbent. I am delighted to announce the appointment of Leslie Shor, Ph.D., as the next Dean of the Graduate School and Vice Provost for Graduate Education at the University of Connecticut, effective July 1, 2024.

Dr. Shor has been an integral part of our community for nearly 15 years and brings a distinguished record of academic achievement and leadership to her new role. She joins the Provost’s Office from the College of Engineering where she has served five years as Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education and is currently Centennial term Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. During her time as associate dean, PhD applications and external research funding have more than doubled while opportunities for professional development and support for both graduate students and faculty have expanded. Her deep commitment to graduate education and her innovative, collaborative approach to academic leadership make her the ideal choice to lead our Graduate School toward a future rich with opportunity and discovery.

Dr. Shor’s career at UConn has been marked by her creative and collaborative approach to interdisciplinary research and her dedication to expanding opportunities for others. Her leadership has been instrumental in developing initiatives that bridge various disciplines, fostering a collaborative environment that enhances both educational quality and research innovation.

Throughout her academic career, Dr. Shor and her students and collaborators have developed environmental biotechnology for improved management of environmental pollutants including polyaromatic hydrocarbons and microplastics as well as technology for promoting sustainable food production. She has been a passionate advocate for integrating innovation and entrepreneurship into academic research and graduate education.  Her vision for The Graduate School includes not only maintaining rigorous academic standards but also increasing accessibility and support for all students, building innovative convergence research and education programs, and promoting a diverse and inclusive community.

Dr. Shor holds Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering from Rutgers University, and a B.A. in Environmental Science and Chemistry (double major) from the University of Virginia. Her research has garnered international recognition, contributing significantly to her field and beyond, influencing policies and practices in sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

As we welcome Dr. Shor to her new role, I am confident that her extensive experience and proven commitment to transformational leadership will propel The Graduate School towards new heights of academic excellence and innovation. Her deep respect for The Graduate School’s staff and affiliated faculty, and her collaborative approach promise a future where change is thoughtful and inclusive, ensuring that our graduate and professional programs prosper and that our graduate students and postdocs thrive.

Please join me in congratulating Dr. Shor on her new appointment. We are excited to support her as she leads The Graduate School and graduate education toward a promising and impactful future.

All best,
Anne

Anne D’Alleva, PhD
Provost and Executive Vice President
University of Connecticut
Office of the Provost
352 Mansfield Road, U-1086
Storrs CT 06269-1086
Tel. 860-486-4037

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