Valerie Smith to replace Nancy Malkiel as dean of the college

Dean of the college Nancy Malkiel, known to many students as the architect of Princeton's grade deflation policy, will step down from her position and be replaced by Woodrow Wilson Professor of Literature Valerie Smith.Smith, who expanded the University's interdisciplinary Center for African-American Studies, will take charge of the University's undergraduate academic program on July 1, 2011. Malkiel will have been the longest-serving dean of the college.The Office of the Dean of the College is responsible for the development of undergraduate students, including the supervision of the residential college system, admissions, and financial aid offices.The search committee charged with finding Malkiel's replacement included Provost Christopher Eisgruber, six other faculty members, and two undergraduates, Sachs Scholar Veronica Shi '11 and USG chair of the Undergraduate Life Committee, Mike Weinberg '11.More on this story as it develops.