Katia Passerini Appointed Provost and Executive Vice President
Friday, February 14, 2020
"Dr. Passerini has extensive experience in higher education leadership, having served as the dean of two colleges," said Seton Hall University President Joseph E. Nyre, Ph.D. "As a highly regarded scholar and educator, she will play a key role in building on our University's academic excellence; advancing diversity, inclusivity and equity; cultivating a student-focused learning environment and further integrating the Catholic intellectual tradition across the varied disciplines of the University."
As the chief academic officer of the Collins College, the largest undergraduate college at St. John's, Passerini is responsible for strategic and operational planning, faculty and staff recruitment, academic program and curriculum development, and fundraising. During her tenure as dean, she grew enrollment at the College, launched an array of new academic programs, and raised student retention and success to new heights. She also served on several senior-level committees, including the President's Advisory Committee; Provost Committee on Academic Prioritization; the Academic Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Committee; and the Academic Technology Governance Committee.
Previously, Passerini served as the interim dean and then dean of the Albert Dorman Honors College at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). In this position, she served as the college's chief academic officer and was responsible for strategic planning, operational management and business process improvement, student recruitment and fundraising. At NJIT, she also served as a full professor and the Hurlburt Chair of Management Information Systems in the Martin Tuchman School of Management.
Passerini earned a doctoral degree in Information and Decision Systems from George Washington University, a master's degree in economics (equivalent) from the University of Rome II -Tor Vergata, a master's degree in business administration from George Washington University, where she was a Fulbright and Bank of Rome Scholar, and a combined bachelor's/master's degree in political science from LUISS University in Rome.
"Having been raised in Italy and later serving as a consultant to the World Bank, Dr. Passerini will bring a global perspective to her leadership role at Seton Hall," noted President Nyre. "In addition, she has strong connections to New Jersey, through her leadership as dean of the Honors College at NJIT."
The Provost/EVP at Seton Hall serves as a member of the Executive Cabinet and will collaborate with faculty and staff to further develop a solid research agenda; build partnerships across disciplines; recruit, retain and develop a strong faculty; and strengthen resource acquisition in support of academic programs.
Within the Office of Academic Affairs, the Provost/EVP will coordinate the efforts of an experienced and committed administrative staff, which includes a Senior Associate Provost who co-facilitates the administration of academic programs and management of the Division of Academic Affairs; an Associate Provost with responsibility for strategic planning, accreditation and assessment; an Associate Provost for Strategy and Finance; and an Associate Provost for Academic and Graduate Affairs and Institutional Research.
Additionally, the deans of the 10 colleges and schools, library, and the Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies report to the Provost/EVP. This position also stewards graduate admissions.
As the institution's chief academic officer, reporting directly to the President, the Provost/EVP will partner with President Nyre in the development and implementation of the University's new strategic plan, and in laying the groundwork for a comprehensive fund-raising campaign.
"I look forward to advancing Seton Hall's already strong commitment to world-class academics and scholarship," said Passerini. "This is a transformative institution, a place that nurtures great minds and exemplifies what higher education can achieve. I am inspired by the work that occurs here and look forward to joining this vibrant University community."
Passerini was selected following a national search which attracted a large number of well-qualified and diverse candidates. The search was led by a committee that included representatives from the student body, priest community, faculty and administration. Professor Jonathan Farina, Ph.D., chair of the Faculty Senate, served as chair of the search committee.
"I am so pleased with the work of my colleagues on the search committee," added Dr. Farina. "Their care and diligence led us to a robust pool of diverse, compelling, highly qualified candidates. I look forward to working with Dr. Passerini."
Karen Boroff, Ph.D., will continue to serve as Interim Provost/EVP until July 1. She will take a sabbatical and then return to the faculty of the Stillman School of Business. "I am grateful to Dr. Boroff for serving in the Interim Provost role and ensuring a smooth transition," noted President Nyre.
Categories: Alumni, Campus Life, Education
