Michael D. Kennedy today assumes the directorship of the Watson Institute. Following an international search, he was named the Howard R. Swearer Director and professor of sociology and international studies in May. Kennedy comes to Brown from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he was most recently director of the Weiser Center for Europe and Eurasia and the Weiser Center for Emerging Democracies, as well as a professor of sociology and the Ronald and Eileen Weiser Professor of European and Eurasian Studies. In his new role, Kennedy will provide intellectual leadership and strategic direction to the Watson Institute’s research and teaching on contemporary global issues.