Syracuse appoints Frasciello dean of University College

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse University has named Michael Frasciello as the new dean of University College, “effective immediately.”

He has been serving the as the interim dean since January.

Syracuse describes Frasciello as a “respected leader and longtime advocate for continuous learning.”

His appointment as the interim dean followed the announcement last December that Syracuse had named Bea González, the former dean of University College, as its VP for community engagement, Syracuse said in a news release posted Dec. 15, 2016 on the school’s news website.

Prior to his appointment as interim dean, Frasciello had been serving as director of online learning in Syracuse University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Before joining the College of Engineering and Computer Science, Frasciello served as the assistant dean of University College for more than a decade. In that role, he managed a portfolio that included direct oversight of online learning, information systems, marketing, enrollment management, and public relations.

“Michael is committed to the value and importance of distance, online and part-time learning. He has reinvigorated University College through his leadership and skills in strategic planning and collaboration,” Michele Wheatly, vice chancellor and provost, said in a news release posted Friday on the Syracuse news website. “His background and experience are essential to what University College needs as a leading example of continuing and online education in higher education.”

Work as interim dean

As interim dean, Frasciello took “significant steps to re-mission” University College, “streamlining” business operations and “simplifying” the business and academic portfolio.

He launched a new program in the form of an online and residential bachelor’s of professional studies in cybersecurity administration, as well as two new “pathways” to undergraduate online-degree programs, including an associate degree in liberal studies and a bachelor of arts degree in liberal arts.

He has also acted to create the Syracuse University Center for Online and Digital Learning, “as a One University center of excellence for online education.”

“During his tenure as interim dean, Michael has proven to be a skilled leader and innovator, setting the conditions for University College to successfully compete in the dynamic marketplace for distance education,” J. Michael Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation, said in the school’s news release. “We are pleased that he will remain at University College in his new role as dean and furthering the important work of preparing both traditional and nontraditional students for a lifetime of success.”

“I am grateful to Provost Wheatly, Vice Chancellor Haynie and the board of trustees for this honor and opportunity to steward University College. It has been a wonderful experience working with an exceptionally talented college staff and leveraging our collective potential to innovate and grow,” Frasciello said in the school’s news release. “I look forward to being part of the important work being done at University College and serving our students.”

A 10-year veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Frasciello holds a doctorate of philosophy from the Syracuse’s College of Arts and Sciences; a master of professional communication from Westminster College in New Wilmington, Pennsylvania; a bachelor of science in political science and government from the University of Maryland; and an associate degree from the Community College of the Air Force, according to the news release.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com

PHOTO of Michael Frasciello, dean of University College at Syracuse University (Photo credit: Syracuse University website)