The University of Houston’s College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics will soon welcome a new dean. Veteran academic leader and chemist Gregory Dudley is set to lead the college, which has long produced groundbreaking, innovative discoveries, and prepared future generations of scientists. He officially assumes the role of dean on Aug. 1.
“The University of Houston is rapidly emerging in national prominence as a major public university,” Dudley said. “The UH mission, vision and values align closely with my own commitment to inclusive academic excellence, and NSM plays a critical and foundational role in research, teaching and promoting social mobility for UH students.”
Presently, Dudley is Eberly Family Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at West Virginia University and program director for the National Science Foundation Division of Chemistry.
He previously led WVU’s Eugene Bennett Department of Chemistry as its chair. Dudley also held leadership and faculty roles at Florida State University.
Dudley’s research bridges synthesis, physical organic chemistry, and catalysis, driving innovation at the intersection of molecular design and chemical reactivity. His work—reflected in over 100 publications, 200 presentations and multiple patents—advances the frontiers of organic synthesis.
Dudley holds a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from Florida State University.
Student success will be a priority for Dudley, and he will focus on ensuring that NSM Coogs discover their full potential within his college.
“My first priority is to listen and learn, especially in getting to know the people who make NSM such a vibrant and dynamic community.”
-Gregory Dudley, new dean of UH's College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
“I want every student in NSM to feel seen, supported, challenged, and inspired,” he said. “We have profound impacts on the lives of our students; we must ensure that those impacts are positive, lasting and empowering. We need to show students that they belong in NSM and have opportunities to succeed regardless of their background or circumstances.”
Six departments comprise the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics: chemistry, physics, mathematics, biology and biochemistry, earth and atmospheric sciences and computer science. The college’s faculty include members of the National Academies, recipients of presidential honors and some of the world’s most cited researchers. Both professors and students are actively engaged in groundbreaking research and scholarly activities.
“I most look forward to engaging with students, faculty, and staff who are expanding knowledge and making real-world impacts,” he said. “My first priority is to listen and learn, especially in getting to know the people who make NSM such a vibrant and dynamic community. I’m also eager to collaborate across the university to strengthen our shared mission and broaden our impact.”
Dudley succeeds Dan Wells as dean of NSM. Wells, who had served as dean since 2015, will return to the faculty ranks to resume his research and teaching obligations.
“We look forward to welcoming Dr. Dudley as NSM’s new dean,” said UH Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Diane Z. Chase. “He is enthusiastic, energetic and eager to get to work, and we’re happy to have him at the helm of the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.”