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Galloway, N.J. — ������Ƶ welcomed two new deans to campus in the fall semester.

On Aug. 25, Elizabeth Throesch started as the Dean of the William T. Daly School of General Studies, and on Nov. 3, Naima Hall began a new position as the Dean of the Office of Graduate and Continuing Studies.

“Elizabeth brings a wealth of experience in higher education,” said Michael Palladino, ������Ƶ’s provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “Throughout her career as a professor, department chair, and academic leader, she has demonstrated a deep and sustained commitment to student success.”

Throesch comes to ������Ƶ after serving as Associate Dean for Student Academic Success at Central Connecticut State University since 2022. Before her time there, Throesch was the department chair of the Communication Arts Department at the Community College of Alleghany County in Pennsylvania.

“I’m honored to join ������Ƶ, a university with a long history of innovative and creative General Studies courses that help students think critically and connect ideas across disciplines,” Throesch said. “The School of General Studies is at the heart of ������Ƶ’s mission, and I’m excited to build on that foundation by expanding opportunities that inspire curiosity, strengthen student success, and prepare our graduates to make a meaningful impact.”

Before coming to ������Ƶ, Hall served as Assistant Vice President for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging and Assistant Dean of Equal Opportunity and Pathways at Rowan University, where she oversaw graduate and medical student engagement, wellness, and inclusion initiatives that strengthened student belonging and collaboration across campus.

“I’m excited to join ������Ƶ at a time of tremendous opportunity for the expansion of graduate and continuing education,” Hall said. “There’s endless potential to create new programs and partnerships that serve working professionals, returning students and lifelong learners. Our focus will be on developing innovative programs and structures that support student success and respond to the needs of today’s adult learner. My personal goal is to ensure that ������Ƶ remains a destination for accessible, high-quality graduate education that meets the evolving needs of our region and communities.”

Previously, the Dean of the William T. Daly School of General Studies was also responsible for Graduate Studies at ������Ƶ. Palladino said creating a new position focusing solely on Graduate and Continuing Studies is an important move as the university looks to grow those areas as part of its new Strategic Plan.

“Naima brings nearly two decades of leadership experience in higher education, with a strong focus on graduate student success, inclusive excellence and innovative academic partnerships,” he said. “She will lead efforts to expand opportunities for working professionals, returning students, and others seeking flexible, affordable and supportive pathways to graduate and continuing education.”

-- Story by Mark Melhorn