Seton Hall University announced on Friday it has named Katia Passerini as provost and executive vice president, effective July 1.
Passerini, a nationally recognized management scholar with extensive experience in higher education, currently serves as the Lesley H. and William L. Collins distinguished chair and dean of the Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies at St. John’s University.
“Dr. Passerini has extensive experience in higher education leadership, having served as the dean of two colleges,” Joseph E. Nyre, president, Seton Hall University, said. “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.”
Passerini, who also serves as the chief academic officer of Collins College, previously served as the interim dean and then dean of the Albert Dorman Honors College at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. There, she also served as a professor and Hurlburt chair of management information systems in the Martin Tuchman School of Management.
“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,” Nyre said. “In addition, she has strong connections to New Jersey, through her leadership as dean of the Honors College at NJIT.”
As provost and EVP, Passerini wil serve as a member of the executive cabinet and will collaborate with staff and faculty to develop a research agenda; build partnerships; recruit, retain and develop faculty; and strengthen resource acquisition in support of academic programs. Additionally, the deans of all 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.
“I look forward to advancing Seton Hall’s already strong commitment to world-class academics and scholarship,” Passerini said. “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.”
Karen Boroff will continue to serve as interim provost/EVP until July 1. She will then take a sabbatical and return to faculty.
