Dean of the College Appointment

Dear all,

I am delighted to announce the appointment of the next Dean of the College, Professor Carlos Alamo-Pastrana. His five-term will begin March 1. Dean Alamo joined the faculty in the Department of Sociology at Vassar in 2007 with expertise in Caribbean Studies and has developed courses on Race and Popular Culture, Latinx Studies, America in the World, and Racial Borderlands. During his time at Vassar, Professor Alamo has served in multiple administrative roles including the Associate Dean of Faculty and Academic Resources from 2016–2018 and the Interim Dean of the College since July 2018 and Administrative Director of the First-generation, Low Income (FLI) Program (formerly the Transitions Program) in 2017–2018. He has served on and advised key College-wide activities such as the Athletics Support Team (F.A.S.T.), the Title IX Advisory Committee, Campus Master Planning committee, Committee on Inclusion and Equity, Sexual Assault Response Team (S.A.R.T), and the Crisis Response Planning Group. Professor Alamo is also the author of several peer-reviewed articles and the 2017 book Seams of Empire: Race and Radicalism in Puerto Rico and the United States.

During his time as Interim Dean of the College, Dean Alamo has relaunched the House Fellow program and initiated efforts to refine orientation and first-year programming, as well as provided warm and effective leadership through campus challenges and celebrations. He is well-known for his pop-up, all-invited lunches and snack time in his office on the second floor of Main, where his door is often open for impromptu meetings and conversations. During his interview process, the community commented on his level-headed approach to crises, his creative and holistic problem-solving skills, his follow through, and his open and empathic style.

As a senior officer of the College, Dean Alamo will oversee seven areas within the division: Dean of Studies (Ben Lotto), Student Growth and Engagement (Wendy Maragh Taylor), Residential Life and Wellness (Luis Inoa), Safety and Security (Arlene Sabo), Campus Activities (Teresa Quinn), Religious and Spiritual Life and Contemplative Practices (Sam Speers), and Professional Development (Ed Pittman).

I want to thank the search committee who worked for several months engaging faculty, students, administrators, and staff to conduct a national search ending in this success. We are so fortunate to have Dean Alamo to this important role. Please join me in congratulating him and welcoming Dean Alamo!

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