Siamack Shojai Appointed Dean of Cotsakos College of Business Siamack Shojai, a respected economist, educator, and administrator with a specialty in global economics, has been named dean of the Cotsakos College of Business. His appointment is effective July 1, 2014. “Dr. Shojai brings a great deal of experience in academic program development, knowledge and success in achieving national accreditation for business programs, and energy and drive to help the College continue to move forward,” says Warren Sandmann, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs. “We are excited to welcome Dean Shojai and look forward to his leadership.” Shojai comes to William Paterson from Central Connecticut State University, where he has served as dean of the School of Business since 2007. As dean,
Volume 15, Number 1
Spring 2014
UNIVERSITYREPORT
student activities, athletics, career development, counseling services, disability services, Greek life, health services, intramurals and recreation, judicial affairs, residence life, the student center, and the women’s center. She also served as a member of the president’s cabinet and the provost’s council. She was appointed co-chair of Ramapo’s most recent Middle States reaccreditation steering committee in 2008-10. During her twenty-eight-year career at Ramapo, she held a variety of positions, including associate dean of students, director of the Robert A. Scott Student Center, director of student development, and director of special programs and conferences. She was honored by the college’s student government association three times, and received the President’s Staff Leadership Award in 2010. She has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, Shelter Our Sisters, and the Wayne Food Bank, and served on the board of directors of the Girl Scouts of Bergen County. Cammarata holds a doctorate in educational leadership from Argosy University, a master’s degree in counseling, human development, and educational leadership from Montclair State University, and a bachelor’s degree in education from The College of New Jersey.
JAZZ STUDENTS PERFORM ON THE NEW STAGE IN SHEA 101
Shojai led the successful effort to achieve initial Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation for the school. Additionally, working with his faculty and staff, Shojai developed and implemented a strategic plan for the school, built enrollment in the academic programs, and improved the retention and academic qualifications of students in the school. Previously, Shojai served as dean of the School of Business at Georgian Court University and dean of the School of Business and Economics at the State University of New York at PlattsSIAMACK SHOJAI burgh. He also has held administrative and teaching positions at Marist College and served as professor of economics and finance at Manhattan College. A specialist in global economics, particularly the Middle East and Iran, Shojai has written several books and a large number of book chapters and scholarly journal articles. He is widely known for his presentations at scholarly seminars and forums, and provides regular commentary on economics and finance for the Voice of America of the United States Information Agency. A graduate of the College of Insurance in Tehran, Iran, Shojai earned a master’s degree in business administration from Iona College and a doctorate in economics from Fordham University.
Performance Venues Receive Major Upgrades Several of the University’s main performance spaces in Shea Center have received major upgrades, providing a greatly enhanced environment for the music department. “We care deeply about our music program,” said President Kathleen Waldron during a recent reception to mark the completion of the projects. “Our music department has lived with old facilities for a very long time. We are proud to celebrate our investment in these programs, which have national and international reputations, as well as the investment in excellence made by our faculty and students.” Two large rooms in Shea have been completely transformed, providing modern and aesthetically pleasing venues for faculty, student, and guest performances. Shea 101, which serves as a recital hall and instructional space, has been totally redesigned, with new acoustics, stage, fixed seating, lighting, control booth,
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PRESIDENT KATHLEEN WALDRON TAKES A TOUR OF THE NEWLY REFURBISHED RECITAL HALL WITH MUSIC PROFESSOR PETE MCGUINNESS