Dean of Studies

Dear all,

I am delighted to announce that Professor Thomas Porcello has accepted the position of Dean of Studies. He will begin his position on September 1. Professor Porcello came to Vassar in 1998 to join the Department of Anthropology, and in the more than twenty years since, he has excelled as a teacher, a researcher, and an academic administrator.  In this time, Professor Porcello has been known for his creativity in problem solving and excellent listening skills—two critical capacities for an outstanding Dean of Studies.

Professor Porcello has succeeded in a range of academic administrative roles. Between 2008-2016, Professor Porcello was the Associate Dean of Strategic Planning and Academic Resources working closely with a host of departments and serving a crucial role in facilitating the many decisions to enable opening the Bridge Building. In addition, Professor Porcello has been the Chair of Anthropology (2017-2020), the Director of Exploring Transfer Program (2011-2012), the Director of Media Studies (2006-2008), and the Interim Director of the Vassar College Libraries (2014-2015). He has also shown leadership in helping to create new initiatives, particularly as the co-principal of the “Creative Arts Across Disciplines (CAAD)” program supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation 2014-2017, and serving as Co-Director of the Development Project that led to the creation of the Media Studies Program.

Professor Porcello’s references highlighted his tremendous commitment to students, his responsiveness to faculty and students, his ability to find solutions through active listening, and his unceasing love of Vassar, of which his son is a graduate. It is my great honor to appoint Professor Porcello the next Dean of Studies. Please join me in welcoming him to this new role!

Elizabeth H. Bradley, President
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
@EHBVassar