Michael Frasciello Appointed Interim Dean of University College

Michael Frasciello

Michele G. Wheatly, vice chancellor and provost, and J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovations, today announced that Michael Frasciello, director of online learning at the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS), has been named interim dean at University College. Frasciello will transition into his new role over the next two months.

A longtime advocate for continuous learning and online education, respected leader and teacher, Frasciello has served at Syracuse University since 2000 when he was appointed instructional programs director at University College (UC). He was later named assistant dean of online learning and director of information systems at UC before being appointed to his position at ECS in 2013.

“Michael is a seasoned professional and expert in online education and is deeply committed to the concept of continuing education. His experience as a teacher and his background in strategic planning and collaboration across units will serve University College and its students well during this time of transition,” Wheatly says. “We are so pleased that he will lead University College in the interim as the college continues to prepare both traditional and non-traditional students for success in their careers.”

Frasciello, who is a professional writing instructor with the College of Arts and Sciences and an adjunct instructor in ECS, directs all online programs and technology-enhanced instructional strategies for ECS. This includes strategic marketing and outreach planning and implementation, enrollment and inquiry management, faculty training and preparedness, course design and development, instructional facilities design and management, program administration, and course and program evaluation. He also works with other academic units and Syracuse University leadership to research, evaluate, approve, design, develop, implement and assess strategies related to online learning, academic program development, and continuing and professional education.

“As someone who keenly understands the role of continuing adult education and knows the intricacies and growing impact of online learning, Michael is highly experienced to shepherd University College as it continues to evolve and grow to meet the needs of students,” says Haynie, who oversees University College.

Frasciello, who conducts research in continuing education and online learning, has taught several writing and technical communications courses in residential, online, condensed and blended formats. An experienced presenter on topics of digital learning and instructional technology, he is involved with several professional and academic organizations, including the American Society for Engineering Education, Association for Continuing Higher Education, Online Learning Consortium, Institute for Engaged Leaders in Online Learning and the University Professional and Continuing Education Association.

“I am honored to serve the University as interim dean and lead such an important asset for the entire community. I truly value and personally understand the role that lifelong learning can play in transforming someone’s life. With the emphasis on technology in the changing face of higher education, it is especially critical to be focused on what that means for our students, both current and future students,” Frasciello says.

A 10-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Frasciello also served as technical communications developer at HealthChex Analytical Services and as technical and corporate communications manager at Polaris Library Systems.

Frasciello earned a doctorate of philosophy in composition and cultural rhetoric from the College of Arts and Sciences at Syracuse University, a master of professional communication from Westminster College, a bachelor of science in political science and government from the University of Maryland and an associate of applied science from the Community College of the Air Force.

His appointment follows the announcement in December that University College Dean Bea González was named vice president for community engagement.