Announcing New Appointments in Academic Affairs

Dear Colleagues:

Over the course of the summer months there have been a number of searches that have successfully concluded. These searches have resulted in changes to roles and responsibilities along with new additions to our staff.

First, I am delighted to announce the appointment of Marya Howell-Carter, PhD, to associate dean for the School of Arts and Sciences, effective September 1, 2024.

As a valued member of the Farmingdale State College community, Dr. Howell-Carter has distinguished herself as a campus leader who works to enrich the lives of our students, faculty, and staff. Having served as chair of the Psychology Department, as well as the Chairs' Council, Dr. Howell-Carter has gained the wisdom and experience to help guide and support the School of Arts and Sciences. Her enthusiasm and commitment to student success will serve her well in this new role.

Michelle Miranda, PhD, has been appointed director for the Center for Criminal Justice Studies. As a long-standing member of the Criminal Justice Department, Dr. Miranda has contributed to the advancement of the curriculum and has gained international recognition in support of her research. In this new role, Dr. Miranda will work to establish external partnerships, seek out funding opportunities, expand research, and further develop the curriculum and microcredential offerings.

Eric De Sena, PhD, study abroad manager, joined our administrative team in July. Dr. De Sena has an international background with experience as program chair at John Cabot University, Italy, and director of the American Research Center in Sofia, Bulgaria. Dr. De Sena’s passion for global learning aligns with our institutional mission and supports SUNY's Global Learning for All initiative. The Study Abroad Office will be located in the Academic Advisement and Information Center (AAIC).

I am also pleased to announce the addition of Ms. Maggie Fleming, director of interinstitutional partnerships, to the Office of the Provost. Ms. Fleming will initially work with Nassau Community College and Suffolk County Community College to launch our extended sites for program offerings in applied psychology and business management. She will also look to expand programmatic opportunities more broadly. She is an experienced advisor who has worked extensively in the area of recruitment.

Lastly, new to our faculty ranks in the role of first-year experience course coordinator, is Meaghan Davis, EdD. Dr. Davis joins us from St. Francis College where she served as director of the first-year experience (FYE). Her widespread knowledge of FYE and the role it plays in student retention and success is impressive. I look forward to the development of a true first-year experience program for our students, once the course launch is complete.

Please join me in welcoming Marya and Michelle to their new roles, and Eric, Maggie, and Meaghan to our Farmingdale community.

Best wishes to all,

Laura Joseph, EdD
Senior Vice President and Provost