Bill Maurer, professor of anthropology and law and director of the Institute for Money, Technology and Financial Inclusion, has been reappointed to an additional five-year term as dean of the School of Social Sciences, beginning July 1. The term builds upon his past decade of service helming the campus’s largest academic unit in terms of student enrollment.

“This decision follows an extensive review, which included materials submitted by Dean Maurer and feedback from faculty, staff, fellow deans and community colleagues,” says Hal Stern, provost and executive vice chancellor. “I am grateful to the committee and its chair, sociology professor Wang Feng, for their efforts throughout the review process.”

Under Maurer's leadership, the school, which teaches the largest percentage of undergraduates on campus, made strides in expanding academic programs, fundraising, diversity, student success and faculty recruitment and retention. During this time, the school also increased collaboration across campus and in the broader community.

“Given that his current term included the pandemic, Dean Maurer was especially praised for his effective and compassionate leadership, communication skills and flexibility,” says Stern. “Colleagues shared their appreciation of his inclusive management style, open collegiality and commitment to promoting a culture that fosters equity and diversity.”

During Maurer’s tenure, the school successfully generated significant external support, raising more than $20 million in philanthropic contributions since 2017. The school has increased its faculty by 27 FTEs since 2014. This growth was accompanied by an increase in the percentage of faculty and graduate students from under-represented groups. In addition, the school grew to include nine departments and 34 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. During his second term as dean, six of the departments that were ranked during the review period increased their rankings. In 2020, the school launched new M.A. and Ph.D. programs in global and international studies and language science.

In addition to his many service roles at UCI, Maurer sits on the University of California systemwide Artificial Intelligence Council, advising the Office of the President on the use and risks of AI-enabled technologies. Alongside his duties as an administrative leader, Maurer maintains an active research portfolio with several grants from federal and philanthropic sources, and community-based research partnerships. An internationally recognized expert on the anthropology of law, money and finance, Maurer was named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2016. His collaborations with community organizations, including the Orange County United Way and the Orange County Human Relations Council, have helped amplify UCI's reputation and impact.