Pearl Dowe will serve as senior vice provost for academic affairs, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
— Photo courtesy of Kylan Cannon
Pearl Dowe, vice provost for faculty affairs, has been appointed Emory University’s next senior vice provost for academic affairs, Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Badia Ahad announced Nov. 18.
Dowe, who is also the Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Political Science and African American Studies, will assume the role Jan. 1, 2026, succeeding Lanny Liebeskind, who is stepping down Dec. 31 prior to taking a year-long sabbatical in 2026.
"Pearl will serve as a key thought partner as we strengthen Emory's academic enterprise, foster innovation and synergy across our schools and ensure alignment between institutional priorities and academic excellence," Ahad says. "I am confident that her vision and commitment to faculty, student and institutional success will serve Emory well."
In her new role, Dowe will oversee the Office of Academic Affairs and be responsible for coordinating academic strategy, stewarding university-level academic policies, supporting faculty affairs and governance, overseeing academic program quality and accreditation and managing signature initiatives. The office will work closely with deans, faculty leaders and administrative partners to promote collaboration, evidence-based decision-making and operational excellence across the university.
“I am honored to have this opportunity to build upon the strong foundation of academic excellence at Emory,” Dowe says. “I look forward to collaborating with leaders and departments across our campuses as we support our faculty and students and continue to elevate our academic offerings.”
As vice provost for faculty affairs since 2022, Dowe has worked to elevate the faculty experience through initiatives including the COACHE Faculty Satisfaction Survey and resulting efforts to clarify the tenure and promotion process, enhance recognition of faculty honors and achievements and strengthen mentorship programs.
She collaborated extensively with groups across the university to align faculty hiring plans with school resources and to review and revise faculty policies, ensuring compliance with federal guidance and best practices in recruitment and employment.
In the coming weeks, Dowe will oversee an internal search for a new leader for the Office of Faculty Affairs.