SU names Gonzalez to head University College

SU names Gonzalez to head University CollegeNovember 19, 2004Matthew R. Snydermrsnyder@syr.edu

Dean Barletta to retire in March after 20 years of service to SU

Syracuse University Vice Chancellor and Provost Deborah A. Freund announced today that Bethaida Gonzalez has been appointed acting dean designate of University College (UC), SU’s continuing education division, effective immediately. Gonzalez, previously associate dean for student services, will become interim dean in March 2005, when Dean Charles K. Barletta retires after 20 years of service to SU.

“For many, many years, Syracuse University and University College have enjoyed the benefits of Chuck Barletta’s commitment and innovation,” says Freund. “He has truly been a driver of many good things.” Barletta plans to retire to his hometown on the New Jersey Shore with his wife and family.

According to Freund, Gonzalez’ appointment will ensure a smooth transition for UC. “Bea’s experience, leadership and strong ties to the Central New York community make her the perfect choice for this position. Students, faculty and staff have made clear to me that she is the right person for the job.” Gonzalez will be responsible for operation and administration of continuing education credit and non-credit programs and summer sessions; executive leadership of SU’s workforce development initiatives and executive, professional and continuing education programs; UC’s marketing and support services; and the administration of SU’s Minnowbrook Conference Center in Blue Mountain Lake, N.Y.

As associate dean, Gonzalez has led the delivery of student services in the areas of recruitment, admissions, advising, bursar, financial aid and registration.

She also oversaw UC’s involvement in the the Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP). She has been UC’s liaison with the New York State Education Department and leads the college’s interaction with civic, community and government agencies.

“Chuck has set this college on a great course into the future, and I look forward to continuing his work in building on UC’s tradition of service to a diverse, worldwide community of part-time learners,” says Gonzalez. “I’m proud to carry forward his contributions to the SU and Central New York communities.”

Gonzalez has served UC since 1984, holding numerous management positions including executive director of HEOP, associate director of admissions, program administrator of the masters of social sciences program and executive director of community and public service. Gonzalez received a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University Center of New York at Binghamton. She holds a master’s degree in public administration from the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, and completed a certificate program there in 1993. She currently presides over the City of Syracuse’s Common Council, serves on several civic boards of directors and is a member of several University leadership committees.

Barletta first worked at SU from 1971-73; he returned in 1987, joining UC as assistant dean of programs and marketing. He was promoted to associate dean in 1991 and was appointed interim dean in 1999. Freund appointed him to the deanship in 2003.