Comments Sought for Regular Review of Gary Bennett, Dean of Trinity College of Arts & Sciences

Provost Alec D. Gallimore has appointed a committee to conduct a review of Gary Bennett, Dean of Trinity College of Arts & Sciences.

Duke conducts regular reviews of all deans, vice provosts, senior staff, and faculty members who have major administrative positions reporting to the provost. Dean Bennett is currently serving a 5-year term, which ends January 2028.

The committee is chaired by Thomas Nechyba, professor of economics, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences. Other members are:

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• Lori Bennear, Stanback Dean of the Nicholas School of the Environment and professor of energy economics and policy
• Merlise Clyde, professor of statistical science, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
• Mark Goodacre, professor of religious studies, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
• Jennifer Groh, professor of psychology & neuroscience, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
• Paula D. McClain, James B. Duke Distinguished Professor of Political Science, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
• Verena Mösenbichler-Bryant, professor of the practice of music, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
• Berndt Mueller, James B. Duke Distinguished Professor of Physics, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
• Mark Anthony Neal, James B. Duke Distinguished Professor of African and African American Studies, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences
• Stephen Vaisey, professor of sociology and political science, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences

An important part of the review process is gathering input from the university's many constituencies. Observations regarding the dean's leadership and suggestions for the future of Trinity College are important to the committee’s work. The committee invites you to share your thoughts by email to provostadminreview@duke.edu or using this online form.

Communication should include the nature of your interactions with Dean Bennett, his team, and the areas under his purview so that the committee can understand the context of your comments as fully as possible.

All information will be treated as confidential, to be shared with the members of the review committee only. An aggregate summary of submitted communications will be included in the committee's written report to the provost.

The deadline for submitting comments is October 30, 2026.