University Provost and Executive Vice President Larry Robinson recently announced that three Seton Hall academic programs have been designated as Centers of Excellence. The move brings the University one step closer toward implementing the goals of its strategic plan, From Strength to Strength, which includes selective investment in high-performing and high potential academic programs.

The first three programs that have been recognized as Centers of Excellence are the graduate program in Diplomacy and International Relations in the School of Diplomacy, and the departments of Accounting and Finance in the Stillman School of Business. As Centers of Excellence, each program will receive additional financial support over the next three years aimed at enriching academic and instructional initiatives.

"I am thrilled and not at all surprised by the news that the School of Diplomacy’s graduate program has been named a Center of Excellence," noted Ambassador Thomas Melady, interim dean of the school. "I continue to be impressed by the caliber of students the school attracts and by the prestigious academic and practical opportunities the school provides. This designation will assist the school in bringing its programs to a still higher level of excellence. This is an exciting time to be a student at the School of Diplomacy."

Senior Associate Provost Joan Guetti explained that the three schools will have the opportunity to request additional assistance to enhance their academic profile. The schools, Guetti said, will have an opportunity to make funding proposals which might include faculty development initiatives, additional release time or appointments of distinguished faculty.

Joyce Strawser, dean of the Stillman School, said that she was excited to have Accounting and Finance selected as Centers of Excellence. "These programs have long been recognized for their quality and accomplishments," Strawser noted. "This designation will enable us to better support the faculty and students whose hard work drives their excellence. Indeed, the very concept of designating Centers of Excellence is built upon key principles that we teach in our Accounting and Finance programs – we can and should measure performance, and we should invest in initiatives that have the ability to generate positive outcomes."

To be recognized as a Center of Excellence, departments had to submit applications for their programs last fall. “Though all applicants for this distinction among the schools and colleges showed merit, the applications submitted by these three programs were especially compelling and thoroughly addressed the criteria established for this designation,” Robinson said.

The Centers of Excellence designation will continue for three years. The University will be considering a new round of applications in the fall of 2013.