I thank Dr. Scott Tollefson for 25 years of service in the US government, including nine years as the Perry Center’s Dean of Academic Affairs and three years as Associate Dean. Dr. Tollefson has been part of the transformation of the Center across multiple directors. He is a trusted advisor and leader.

Dr. Tollefson recently stepped aside from his role as Dean of Academic Affairs, but we are incredibly fortunate to retain his expertise and enthusiasm in the role of Dean of Special Projects. We appreciate his continued commitment to our mission and our community.

To assume the duties of Dean of Academic Affairs moving forward, I am pleased to announce we have selected a member of the Perry Center team that you all know well: Dr. William Godnick.

Dr. Godnick brings to the position a wealth of experience and service. His work with the United Nations, in academia and the non-profit sector, and as a Peace Corps volunteer has afforded him the opportunity to live in a number of partner nations. He also brings eight years of experience as Professor of Practice at the Perry Center, supporting our human rights/rule of law, defense governance, and transnational threats programs. I have no doubt that he will bring great vision and leadership to his new role.

Please join me in congratulating and thanking Dr. Godnick and Dr. Tollefson for taking on their new roles. Together, we will lead the Center into its fourth decade and build on its solid legacy and network in the years to come.