FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
After National Search York College Appoints Alum Dean for the School of Arts and Sciences Queens, NY – Dr. Panayiotis Meleties, provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs of York College/CUNY in Jamaica, Queens, announced today that Dr. Donna Chirico has been appointed Dean of the college’s School of Arts and Sciences.
Dr. Chirico’s appointment is especially noteworthy as she is a product of York College both as an alumna and as a faculty member of many years. The dean holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from York, a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Fordham University and a doctorate in Religion and Education from Teachers College of Columbia University.
Dr. Chirico, a developmental psychologist, began her faculty tenure in the Department of Behavioral Sciences at York College more than 20 years ago. In addition to being a master teacher, student and faculty mentor, she served the college in numerous leadership positions, including psychology discipline coordinator and department chair for four years. Dr. Chirico was involved in critical program development and implementation, such as the general education reorganization (Pathways), CUNYFIRST, and the development of the ROTC program housed in the Department of Behavioral Sciences.
"I am very pleased that I have been selected to serve York College in this new capacity,” said Dr. Chirico. “I will use my professional experiences and knowledge of the college to serve our students and faculty on a whole new level. I look forward to bringing my connections to the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute and the Italian Language Inter-Cultural Alliance to enhance opportunities for international ventures and adventures at York."
Dr. Meleties is also pleased with the outcome of the search.
“Dr. Chirico is a world-class educator with a distinguished history at York College,” said Meleties. “We are thrilled that she has chosen to continue her career in education by serving in this key college leadership post. Our student body and Dr. Chirico’s colleagues will continue to benefit from the passion and expertise she brings to our campus every day.”
About York College
York College, a senior college of The City University of New York (CUNY), offers baccalaureate degrees in the liberal arts and sciences, accounting and business, journalism, communications technology, computer science, social work, teacher education, various health professions including nursing and aviation management. York College is the only CUNY senior college offering majors in gerontology, biotechnology, information systems management and a BS/MS degree in occupational therapy. For more information: http://www.york.cuny.edu