New year, new semester, new Dean.

After an extensive search, Iona College announced the appointment of Sibdas Ghosh as Dean of the School of Arts and Science, effective April 2, replacing Interim Dean Jeanne Zaino.

Ghosh comes to Iona from Dominican University in California where he was serving as professor and chair of the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and where he previously served as the university’s associate dean of the School of Health and Natural Sciences.

Come this spring, Ghosh will be East Coast bound to begin his tenure at Iona.

Ghosh is looking forward to working with faculty and staff to learn more about Iona’s rich culture. In an e-mail, he ensures he wants to “lead the school in the advancement of student success by embracing educational justice” and to help mold “graduating students who would be personable, global in outlook, and environmentally sensitive, and will have secured jobs of their choices,” all large goals for the new dean.

Besides this, Ghosh has much he wants to accomplish during his tenure here. Part of this includes encouraging the development of interdisciplinary programs, such as the new Environmental Studies program, in order to “foster collaborations at all levels,” Ghosh says. Ghosh also wrote that he wants to “promote an inclusive environment, pursue excellence in faculty work and welfare, and empower and recognize the staff as partners in the pursuit of both academic excellence and justice. Ghosh insists that student success will be his top priority.

“It is very important to me that all students will take away a memorable Iona experience upon graduation,” he said. “It is essential that I seek student input in their Iona experience.”

The college looks forward to integrating Ghosh into the culture of Iona and the new perspectives and ideas he will inevitably bring to the table.

“Dr. Ghosh has an impressive profile and a keen understanding of Catholic Colleges and the challenges we face as an institution,” said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Brian Nickerson.

In the coming month, Ghosh will visit campus for an entire week. This is his first time visiting campus since being appointed Dean, and he encourages the Iona Community to meet him during his stay.

Ghosh stresses that once he moves into his new office he will have an open door policy so students will have access to meet him formally and informally on regular basis.

“It is an incredibly exciting time at Iona. I feel that while the challenges are great, the opportunities are even better.”