Sarah Soule Named Dean of Stanford Business School

## A New Era at Stanford: Sarah A. Soule Takes the Helm

So, let me break it down for you, like any loyal New Yorker would—Sarah A. Soule, she’s a big deal. We’re talking about the Morgridge Professor of Organizational Behavior snagging the top seat at the [Stanford Graduate School of Business](https://www.gsb.stanford.edu). Stanford Provost Jenny Martinez made the big announcement. And let’s face it, we’re all ears!

### Who’s Sarah Soule? A Glance at Her Stellar Career

Soule’s not just playing around. She’s been shaping minds at Stanford since 2008, people! As the Sara Miller McCune Director of the [Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences](https://casbs.stanford.edu), she’s already been handling heavyweight roles. But it gets even better—she’ll be Stanford GSB’s first female dean. History in the making, right there.

Now, let’s sprinkle in some extra spice. Soule joined Stanford after stints at the University of Arizona and Cornell University, bringing a trunkload of wisdom along. Her impressive academic trail includes a PhD and MA in sociology from Cornell and a BA from the University of Vermont. Talk about hardcore credentials.

### Leadership Shuffle: Soule Steps In

Mark your calendars, June 16, 2025—Sarah’s official start date as dean. Jonathan Levin, her predecessor, is now enjoying the view from the president’s suite at Stanford. Meanwhile, Professor Peter DeMarzo is keeping the seat warm as interim dean.

And guess what? Levin, alongside Martinez, couldn’t hide their excitement. Martinez gushed, “She brings a dynamic and people-centered approach to leadership.” Yup, Soule’s already got the raves rolling in.

### The GSB’s Centennial Celebration

Timing, folks, timing! The GSB’s centennial was a perfect crescendo to welcome Soule’s leadership. Celebrating 100 years of legacy, transformation, and trailblazing, the school couldn’t ask for a better way to usher in its next act. The [centennial](https://gsb100.stanford.edu) highlights the undeniable role Stanford plays in shaping global leaders.

### Heart of the Matter: Transformational Leadership

Transforming students into “purposeful and principled leaders”—that’s the GSB’s jam. Soule knows it and embraces it like a pro. As she takes charge, she’s got an eye on that balance between individual transformation and collective impact.

Moreover, Sarah is thrilled to dive deep into the broader leadership community at Stanford. She praised the university’s vibrant leadership squad, mentioning that Jon (that’s Jonathan Levin for us) brought Stanford closer to the GSB. Smart moves all around!

### A Proven Leader with a Personal Touch

DeMarzo, interim dean, fondly narrated, “In addition to being a proven leader and a great researcher, Sarah connects well with students, faculty, staff, alumni—pretty much everyone.” Call it a natural flair for engagement if you will.

### Soule’s Academic Pursuits

But don’t think Soule’s hanging up her research hat. No sir. Her studies in organizational theory, social movements, and political sociology? She’s just getting started. Her sharp insights on policy change and diffusion remain part and parcel of her active research program at Stanford.

#### Publications and Accolades

Soule’s books like *Contention and Corporate Social Responsibility* and *A Primer on Social Movements* have left their mark. Her articles have graced the pages of prestigious journals like the *American Sociological Review*.

What’s more, she’s a founding member of *Sociological Science* and holds significant roles in editorial boards such as Stanford University Press, proving her mettle yet again!

### Looking Forward

As Neil Malhotra, the search committee co-chair, sums it up, Sarah Soule’s rooted in the GSB’s ethos, making positive contributions through academia. With her at the wheel, Stanford GSB is surely steering towards a bright and inclusive future.

So, New Yorkers, this leadership tale from the West Coast is one for the books—an exciting blend of tradition and forward-thinking chutzpah!