College leadership
Please visit the Dean's Office directory for information about who to contact to schedule meetings with college leadership and a listing of units within the Dean's Office.
Saara J. DeWalt, Dean
Saara J. DeWalt became dean of the College of Biological Sciences in 2023. She was a member of the Clemson University faculty for nearly two decades before joining the college. During that time, she served in a number of leadership and service roles including as chair of the biological sciences. A plant ecologist, Dr. DeWalt’s research is globally engaged and cuts across multiple biological sciences disciplines, using ecological and molecular genetic techniques to address a number of questions in population, evolutionary, and community ecology. Among her contributions to her field, she served as president of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation. Dr. Dewalt received her Ph.D. in the biological sciences from Louisiana State University.
Learn more about Dean DeWalt
Peter Kennedy, Associate Dean for Research
Peter Kennedy is a professor in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology. His research focuses on the ecological factors structuring microbial communities as well as how plant-microbe interactions affect ecosystem carbon and nutrient cycling. Dr. Kennedy served as the director of graduate studies for the Plant and Microbial Biology Program from 2020-22. He is responsible for working with faculty to secure appropriate pre- and post-award institutional support for major research programs. The associate dean also collaborates with the Office of Technology Commercialization to ensure that systems are in place to maximize opportunities for the commercialization of research.
Laurie Parker, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education
Laurie Parker is an associate professor of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics (BMBB). Her research is broadly directed at assay development for post-translational modifications, with a focus on protein phosphorylation by tyrosine kinases. Before becoming associate dean, Dr. Parker served as BMBB's director of undergraduate studies. In her role as associate dean for undergraduate education, she manages the development and coordination of innovative, longitudinal curricula across CBS in basic sciences education, oversees development of programs for assessment of student learning, and works with faculty to improve teaching.
Nikki Letawsky Shultz, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and International Programs
Nikki Letawsky Shultz received her Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. Her research interests include student success at research universities and the career development of intercollegiate student-athletes. Nikki is a recipient of the University of Minnesota's President's Award for Outstanding Services and the National Association of Academic Advisors Outstanding Administrator Award. In her role, she implements and manages plans to support and enhance the undergraduate student experience and develops strategies, and manages programs designed to increase CBS undergraduate participation in learning abroad.
Margaret Titus, Associate Dean for Graduate Students and Postdocs
Margaret Titus is a professor of genetics, cell biology, and development. She received her Ph.D. from Brandeis University and carried out her postdoctoral training at Stanford University School of Medicine. Her work combines biochemical, cell biological, and quantitative imaging approaches to understand how the unique enzymatic and structural properties of a given myosin power cellular movements or drive the formation of dynamic actin-based structures. She is a distinguished professor of teaching (Graduate and Professional Education).
Jeffrey Gralnick, Associate Dean for Faculty
Jeffrey Gralnick is a professor of Plant and Microbial Biology, as well as Microbiology. He received his Ph.D. in bacteriology at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. His research focuses on integrating both classical and modern molecular approaches to understand how bacteria influence our planet and how they can be engineered for applications in bioremediation, bioenergy and biocatalysis.