Vanderbilt Appoints Renowned Linguist Jason Merchant as New Arts & Science Dean

Merchant brings extensive experience in shaping undergraduate curriculum and strengthening academic values to lead Vanderbilt's largest college.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Jason Merchant, a nationally recognized leader in higher education and vice provost for academic affairs at the University of Chicago, has been named the new Searcy Family Dean of Vanderbilt University's College of Arts and Science. Merchant, an internationally renowned professor of linguistics, will also hold an endowed chair in philosophy at Vanderbilt.

Why it matters

Merchant's appointment is seen as a major coup for Vanderbilt, as he brings a deep understanding of the central role the liberal arts play in advancing discovery and preparing students for the 21st century. As dean, he will work to foster interdisciplinary partnerships, define a vision for transformative research and education, and position the College of Arts and Science as a catalyst for discovery, service and impact.

The details

Merchant succeeds Timothy P. McNamara, who oversaw significant milestones during his tenure as dean, including record fundraising, the implementation of a new core curriculum, and the expansion of pre-major advising. As vice provost for academic affairs at the University of Chicago, Merchant has overseen a vast portfolio that includes undergraduate and graduate education, faculty affairs, and the university's pandemic response.

  • Merchant will assume the role of Searcy Family Dean on July 1, 2026.
  • McNamara will return to the faculty on June 30, 2026 after serving as dean.

The players

Jason Merchant

An internationally renowned professor of linguistics who will serve as the new Searcy Family Dean of the College of Arts and Science at Vanderbilt University. He is also an endowed chair in philosophy at the university.

C. Cybele Raver

The provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at Vanderbilt University, who announced Merchant's appointment.

Daniel Diermeier

The chancellor of Vanderbilt University, who praised Merchant as the "ideal, values-driven leader" for the College of Arts and Science.

Timothy P. McNamara

The outgoing dean of the College of Arts and Science at Vanderbilt, who oversaw significant milestones during his tenure.

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What they’re saying

“Jason Merchant is an exceptionally creative, deep thinker and a strategic academic leader. He has a powerhouse track record of fostering excellence across faculty affairs, research, teaching and service, and we're thrilled that he's bringing those stellar assets and ideas to lead Vanderbilt's College of Arts and Science.”

— C. Cybele Raver, Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (Mirage News)

“Jason Merchant is a scholar of the highest caliber and a committed champion of the principles and standards that must define the modern university. His deep expertise in linguistics is matched by his broad record of building excellence as an administrator. Jason is the ideal, values-driven leader for our largest college and will be instrumental in defining liberal arts education for the age of technology.”

— Daniel Diermeier, Chancellor (Mirage News)

“I am honored and excited to be joining a college renowned for the field-defining scholarship of its faculty, its deep commitment to innovative teaching and mentoring in its undergraduate and graduate programs, its extraordinary and spirited students, and its outstanding staff. I am eager to join Vanderbilt at a defining moment in its history, as it sets the bar for higher education in the country and the world.”

— Jason Merchant (Mirage News)

What’s next

Merchant will assume his new role as Searcy Family Dean of the College of Arts and Science at Vanderbilt University on July 1, 2026.

The takeaway

Vanderbilt has made a strategic hire in appointing Jason Merchant, a renowned linguist and experienced academic leader, to helm its College of Arts and Science. Merchant's expertise in shaping undergraduate curriculum and his commitment to the liberal arts are expected to propel the college forward as it seeks to define the future of higher education.