UA College of Science Dean Accepts Provost Position at Rice University

Feb. 3, 2000


Eugene H. Levy, dean of the College of Science, has resigned to become provost at Rice University in Houston, Texas, beginning July. Wednesday night, Levy e-mailed his letter of resignation to members of his college.

In his e-mail, Levy said, "As enthusiastic and as excited as I am about the opportunities and challenges that I anticipate at Rice-and as much as I am looking forward to those-the decision to leave the University of Arizona is a very difficult one for me. By the time I actually depart,I will have worked at the University for 25 years, having started as an assistant professor near the beginning of my career in 1975. During the past 25 years, I have had the extraordinary privilege of being a faculty member, a department head, and, now, dean of a college that I trulylove. . . and with colleagues that I admire and cherish.

President Peter Likins said, "I'm filled with admiration for Gene Levy, and pleased for him andproud to be associated with him. Gene's work as a faculty member and department head and now dean has meant a great deal to the University of Arizona, and we will miss him. His appointment as Provost at Rice University in Houston is well deserved. Rice is an unusually fineinstitution with high standards and a proud history in science and technology, and they will find in Gene a provost with the energy and commitment to lead them forward. Please join me in wishing Dr. Levy well."

Levy was named dean of the college in 1993 by Provost Paul S. Sypherd. Commenting of Levy's departure, Sypherd said today, "Dean Levy's departure from the University of Arizona represents a very serious loss. His 25-year career at the University, particularly as director ofthe Lunar and Planetary Laboratory and more recently, as dean of science, has been marked by numerous successes. He has built outstanding programs, attracted outstanding faculty and staff and has been a role model for campus citizenship. As with institution, the University will move forward replacing Dr. Levy as dean. We will not, however, be able to replace the legacy he will leave."

Levy is a nationally known researcher in the areas of space and solar physics, planet formation and planetary observational techniques.

Levy has been at the UA since 1975, as an assistant, associate and full professor of planetary sciences. In 1983 he became head of that department and director of the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory.

Levy graduated with high honors from Rutgers University in 1966 and earned a doctorate in physics in 1971 from the University of Chicago.

As dean of the College of Science, Levy continued his planetary research and also served as professor of planetary sciences and professor of physics.

Levy is en route to a conference at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. His e-mail address is ehl@u.arizona.edu

Share

Resources for the media