Physics professor Alan Middleton has been named interim associate dean for creativity, scholarship and research for the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S), returning to a role where he previously led the College’s research efforts.

Middleton's appointment, effective immediately through June 30, 2026, brings seasoned leadership to A&S’ research enterprise during a pivotal period of growth under the College’s new Academic Strategic Plan. He steps back into the position following Jennifer Ross, professor of physics, who was tapped to serve as interim dean for the College of Engineering and Computer Science beginning November 1. The appointment will provide expert continuity while the College conducts a comprehensive search for a permanent associate dean for research.

"I'm grateful to Alan for his willingness to serve and feel fortunate to have someone of his caliber take on this critical role at such an important time for our College," says A&S Dean Behzad Mortazavi. "I'd also like to recognize Jennifer Ross as she begins her service as interim dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science. We are incredibly proud to see one of our own in this significant leadership opportunity at the University."

Advancing Research Excellence

Middleton will work with faculty to advance A&S’ research mission. During his previous tenure from 2017 to 2023, he helped guide A&S through significant gains in funding and research output—achievements that contributed to Syracuse University's R1 Carnegie Classification, the top tier signifying high research activity levels.

Under Middleton's leadership, the College reached a milestone $23.4 million in research awards in 2022. A&S also set a record for funded research with $19.7 million in expenditures in 2023, which is the amount the College spent on research. His strategic approach included overseeing the hiring of two inaugural directors of proposal development: one in the sciences and mathematics and another in the humanities. These positions proved instrumental in helping faculty increase the volume, scope and success of grant proposals across disciplines.

Bridging Teaching and Discovery

A faculty member in the Department of Physics since 1995, Middleton brings both research credentials and administrative experience to the role. He was promoted to full professor in 2008 and served as department chair of physics from 2013 to 2017. Middleton was also director of undergraduate studies for physics from 2000 to 2007 and was a core faculty member of the Renée Crown University Honors Program from 2009 to 2015.

An expert in applying advanced algorithms to the study of structurally disordered materials, Middleton has served as principal investigator or co-PI on National Science Foundation grants totaling over $3 million and has authored or co-authored nearly 50 research publications.

Middleton's distinguished career has earned him fellowships from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Physical Society and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.