Dean Jason Geary is set to assume the role of Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Rutgers–New Brunswick, effective July 1, 2025. He will replace Dr. Saundra Tomlinson-Clarke, who will continue to serve as Special Advisor to the Chancellor. A nationwide search is underway to find the next dean for Mason Gross.
Dr. Geary is a musicologist who, in addition to serving as dean of Mason Gross School of the Arts since July 1, 2020, is a Distinguished Professor of Music and Senior Vice Provost for Academic Initiatives at Rutgers–New Brunswick. Under his leadership, Mason Gross launched interdisciplinary programs such as a minor in Creative Expression and the Environment with the School of Arts and Sciences and School of Environmental and Biological Sciences; the Arts in Health Research Lab with the School of Public Health and New Jersey Performing Arts Center; and the wellness initiative Scarlet Arts Rx with the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology. Geary also established the Mason Gross Office of Advising and Student Success, focusing on wellness, career development, and alumni engagement. He also solidified community engagement, establishing partnerships with the New Brunswick Public Schools and the Cicely L. Tyson Community School of Performing and Fine Arts in East Orange.