Stephanie Gross

Joseph E. Grasso (left) and Richard Handler

New associate dean posts filled

Dean Melvyn P. Leffler has appointed two new associate deans to accommodate growth in the College and Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.

Richard Handler, professor of anthropology, has taken on the new position of associate dean for undergraduate academic programs. The former anthropology department chair is now responsible for development of the undergraduate curriculum and works with the assistant deans of the College, also known as association deans, who handle academic advising. Creation of the new position allows associate dean Stephen Plog, who formerly handled both the College and the Graduate School, to concentrate on the graduate program, while Handler will chart the academic growth of the College.

Joseph E. Grasso was named to the new position of associate dean for planning and operations. Grasso will coordinate capital projects, including the Digital Academical Village and the Arts Precinct, serve as a liaison to external constituencies, and engage in strategic planning for the College. Previously he was vice president of finance and administration at Allegheny College and budget director at Colgate University.