VIMS Welcome Dean and Director Aday

William & Mary has named nationally renowned ecologist Derek Aday as its next dean of the School of Marine Science and director of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS).

Aday, who began this role at VIMS Sept. 1, was head of the Department of Applied Ecology at North Carolina State University, university director of the Southeast Climate Adaptation Science Center, a fellow of the American Fisheries Society, and editor-in-chief of the society’s flagship journal. His selection follows a national search to succeed John Wells, who is retiring after 17 years at the VIMS helm.

“William & Mary welcomes warmly Dr. Aday to the university community,” says President Katherine A. Rowe. “Following the exceptional leadership of Dr. Wells, VIMS and the School of Marine Science are positioned to expand the university's reach globally in the coming decades. And for Virginia, VIMS is vital to ensuring the continued prosperity of the commonwealth’s ecology, economy and coastal communities. Derek Aday’s talents and experiences perfectly match these challenges and opportunities.”