M. Robert Hamersley Is Named Dean of Faculty

M. Robert Hamersley, professor of environmental biogeochemistry, has been named Soka University of America’s dean of faculty. His appointment, announced by Michael Weiner, executive vice president for academic affairs, took effect June 1, 2023.

“It is an honor to serve the mission and uphold the values of SUA as dean of faculty, renewing our commitment ‘to rigorous academic endeavors, free and open dialogue, and an appreciation for human diversity’ in all its forms,” said Prof. Hamersley, referring to SUA’s values statement. “I look forward to continuing to work closely with faculty and staff to pursue excellence in teaching, research, and service.”

In announcing Prof. Hamersley’s appointment, Prof. Weiner noted that his commitment to SUA “is reflected in the stellar service that he has provided to this university over many years.” Most recently he served as interim dean of faculty, and previously had been math/science coordinator, director of the Environmental Studies concentration, director of laboratories, manager of the Soka Instructional Garden, and assistant dean of faculty.

Prof. Hamersley, who joined the SUA faculty in 2007, received a B.S. in biology from the University of Victoria, an MEDes in environmental science and management from the University of Calgary, and a Ph.D. in biological oceanography from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology / Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. He previously held positions at the University of Massachusetts, the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Southern California, and the Max Planck Institute.