Julie Novkov Named Dean of Rockefeller College

ALBANY, N.Y. (July 10, 2023) — Following a national search, Professor Julie Novkov has been appointed dean of the University at Albany’s Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy. Novkov, a professor of political science, has served as interim dean of the college since July 2021.

Novkov has been an important and influential leader at Rockefeller College and UAlbany since she arrived in 2006. Jointly appointed to the Department of Political Science and the Department of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies, her prior leadership roles at Rockefeller College include chair of the Department of Political Science, director of graduate studies and director of undergraduate studies.

A highly visible and nationally respected constitutional scholar, Novkov’s teaching, mentoring and service have been recognized with awards from UAlbany, SUNY and the American Political Science Association. She is the co-author of American by Birth and the author of Constituting Workers, Protecting Women and Racial Union, which was the co-recipient of the American Political Science Association’s Ralph Bunche Award. In 2017, Novkov was named a UAlbany Collins Fellow. She currently co-edits the American Political Science Review.

“Dr. Julie Novkov’s deep understanding of Rockefeller College, combined with her innate talents as a leader, make her wonderfully suited to serve as dean,” said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Carol H. Kim. “President Rodríguez and I are delighted to welcome her to the role, and we look forward to working with her as we continue to advance and strengthen the college’s academic and research programs.”

In her role as interim dean, Novkov worked to develop the college into its new configuration, including the School of Criminal Justice, and enhanced the college’s combined degree offerings at the University at Albany and beyond.

“Over the past two years, I have enjoyed leading the college and learning more about its rich legacy across the three units that comprise it — the School of Criminal Justice and the Departments of Political Science and of Public Administration and Policy,” Novkov said. “I look forward to enhancing and creating more opportunities for the next generation of students to carry on Rockefeller's proud traditions of success and service. I am excited to lead the college forward into its next era of greatness.”

“Julie and I have enjoyed a collaborative working relationship in our respective roles,” said School of Criminal Justice’s Senior Executive Director Dana Peterson. “We are excited to now be in a position that will allow us to fully realize our collective plans for the integration of the School of Criminal Justice within Rockefeller College and strengthening even more of our international profile and influence.”


Novkov earned a bachelor’s degree from Harvard and Radcliffe Colleges, a JD from New York University School of Law, and a master’s and PhD in political science from the University of Michigan.