New Deans, University Leaders and Faculty Eager to Kick Off New Academic Year

Yesterday, more than 4,000 first-year and transfer students participated in New Student Convocation, a rite of passage for all students embarking on their academic careers at Syracuse University. But new students aren’t the only community members beginning their careers at Syracuse University.

In fact, nearly 10 deans and leaders are about to experience their first full academic year as members of Syracuse University’s senior leadership. They include Craig M. Boise, dean of the College of Law; Gwenn Judge, interim vice president and chief financial officer; Samuel Scozzafava, Jr., vice president and chief information officer; Jeffrey M. Stanton, associate provost for academic affairs; Michael S. Tick, dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts; Peter Vanable, interim vice president for research and dean of the Graduate School; David Van Slyke, dean of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs; Michele G. Wheatly, vice chancellor and provost; and John Wildhack, director of athletics.

“Over the last several months, Syracuse University has hired a number of fine new leaders who bring a fresh perspective to everything we do,” says Chancellor Syverud. “I know that each one is committed to creating a great student experience and making Syracuse a great, thriving international research university. I am proud to have them on our team.”

Also beginning their careers at Syracuse University are 70 new full-time faculty members, who span a variety of schools, colleges and disciplines.

“We have hired an extraordinary cohort of faculty this year, each of whom brings their own unique set of experiences, expertise and skillsets,” says Vice Chancellor and Provost Wheatly. “I look forward to seeing what they accomplish inside our classrooms and laboratories – both on campus and around the world.”

These new faculty members, many of which were on hand for yesterday’s New Student Convocation, participated earlier in the week in a comprehensive new faculty orientation, organized by the Office of Faculty Affairs.

LaVonda N. Reed, associate provost for faculty affairs and professor of law, says the new faculty orientation, combined with a series of welcome events and receptions, helps prepare new faculty for the year ahead.

“Much like our new students’ experience, starting a new faculty position at any university is exciting but also can be a bit overwhelming,” says Reed. “That is why we are so diligent in filling our faculty members’ first few days with educational programing, interactive panel discussions and informal meet-and-greets. All of that, combined with individual school and college efforts, positions our new colleagues for a successful first semester.”

Nazanin Shahrokni, assistant professor of sociology in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, says her interactions with faculty and university leaders during her interview process played a large role in her deciding to join the Syracuse University community.

“I encountered a very warm and stimulating intellectual community in the Department of Sociology during my campus visit, which left me no doubt that SU shall be my new home,” says Shahrokni. “Being a professor at Syracuse University, I get to meet fresh new faces who bring their lived experiences, questions, and problems into the classroom. I learn as much from my students as they learn from me. Each new semester I discover life anew.”

To learn more about the University’s new deans and leaders, click here. And to read more about how the Office of Faculty Affairs supports new faculty members, visit http://provost.syr.edu/faculty-support/.