Brian Conniff, Ph.D., served the University for nine years as the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, will be stepping down from his position and following a year sabbatical, Conniff will be joining the faculty of the English and theatre department.
Under his tenure, Conniff, who earned his bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, his master’s degree in English theatre from the University and his Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame, launched several new programs, including most recently majors in information technology, physiology, social media strategies and business communication. He also oversaw strategic “3+3 program” program partnerships with Villanova School of Law, Duquesne University School of Law and Boston College Law School. He supported the expansion of community-based learning courses and activities, including collaboration with United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania, as well as innovative faculty and student engagement with local schools, particularly in the STEM area.
Conniff will be joining the English and theatre department in the 2021 to 2022 academic year.