Cody W. Edwards appointed as interim dean of the College of Science: Strengthening research, education and student success

Cody W. Edwards has been appointed as the interim dean of the College of Science, effective July 1. Interim Provost Kenneth Walsh expressed confidence in Edwards’ abilities, citing his extensive experience and dedication to research excellence, leadership, and student success.

Edwards has a strong background in various leadership positions at the university over the past 12 years. Most recently, he served as the senior associate dean for faculty and academic affairs in the College of Science. In this role, he helped to strengthen the connection between education and research, fostering collaborative projects. His experience in shaping academic policies and enhancing faculty development will be beneficial in his new role as interim dean.

Prior to his current position, Edwards was the executive director of the Smithsonian-Mason School of Conservation (SMSC) for nearly eight years. During this time, he helped to strengthen the connection between education and research by fostering collaborative projects. His experience in shaping academic policies and enhancing faculty development will be beneficial in his new role as interim dean.

Edwards is taking over from Dean Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm, who is set to become the president of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and vice chancellor for sustainability of the University System of Maryland on July 1. Walsh expressed gratitude to Miralles-Wilhelm for his exceptional leadership as dean since 2020, noting significant growth in research, support for academic programs, student enrollment, and fundraising under his guidance.

The appointment of Cody W. Edwards as interim dean marks a new chapter in the college’s leadership. With his experience, dedication