Recognizing Dean Michael Kaufman’s Service to SJSU

Sent: January 31, 2024

From: Vincent J. Del Casino, Jr., Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dear Colleagues,

I am writing today to let you know that Dr. Michael Kaufman, Dean of the College of Science, has decided to exercise his retreat rights and return to the faculty after 9 years leading the college. This is a bittersweet moment. I am extremely happy for Dean Kaufman, who will return to a job he loves, being a faculty member. At the same time, he and I have been close colleagues since I arrived in 2019 and I will miss his sage and critical advice on a daily basis (although I have a feeling that he won’t be afraid to share his take on things even after he returns to the faculty! - I will welcome those thoughts). 

I would be remiss if I didn’t also acknowledge the many accomplishments that have taken place under Dean Kaufman’s leadership. Among those accomplishments over the last 9 years are: the completion of the Interdisciplinary Science Building, SJSU’s first new academic building in over three decades; the establishment of the Wildfire Interdisciplinary Research Center; and the elevation of SJSU’s leadership of Moss Landing Marine Laboratories. He also led the expansion of research activity across the college—creating a model for the rest of the institution—and rebuilt the college’s philanthropic culture, which led to increased support and the largest gifts in its history. He also led the College of Science through the pandemic while helping us maintain our commitment to student success. 

During his tenure, the college saw significant growth and reform. He has built an incredible leadership team in the College of Science. He has also led the development of modern, interdisciplinary, and career-relevant degree programs, which resulted in a nearly 50% increase in College of Science majors while ensuring the college remained financially sustainable. Furthermore, he championed professional development and student-centric curricular innovation. More than 40% of the current College of Science tenure-line faculty were hired during his time as dean, greatly expanding the college’s capacity for discovery and student success.

Dean Kaufman has also focused on expanded community outreach, developing Sciencepalooza!, a major STEM event with the Synopsis Outreach Foundation. This event brings thousands of East Side students and their families to SJSU each spring for hands-on STEM activities and program information. Additionally, Dean Kaufman served the CSU system as a member of the CSUBiotech Strategic Planning Council and the STEM-NET board since its inception.

Dr. Kaufman’s nearly 30-year career at SJSU has included myriad roles: lecturer, tenure-track/tenured faculty member, Chair of the Academic Senate, Chair of the Department of Physics & Astronomy, and Dean. This extensive experience has made him an invaluable contributor to SJSU. There is no doubt that Dean Kaufman is an extraordinary leader, who is a thoughtful, compassionate, and incredibly smart colleague. He will continue to occupy that space as a full-time faculty member at San José State University. The Department of Physics & Astronomy is lucky to have him back in their ranks! 

I will be working quickly with the College of Science faculty, staff, and students to seek nominations for an interim dean as quickly as possible. A national search will take place this fall for a permanent dean. 

In the meantime, please join me in thanking Dean Kaufman for his incredible work at SJSU now and into the future! 

Sincerely,

Vin