September 26, 2011

I am pleased to announce that Lisa DeBenedittis is joining the provost's office as the new associate provost for curriculum and learning. She was the successful candidate
in an internal search, and I am grateful to all of the individuals who participated in this process.

As Associate Provost for Curriculum and Learning, Lisa will lead and coordinate the development and implementation of new academic programs. She will also link and support efforts throughout the university to assess and improve the quality of the curriculum and educational experience. She will head the University Curriculum Committee and the Thematic Interdivisional Programs coordinating committee, and will supervise the staff in the curriculum and learning area: Carolyn Comiskey, Adrienne Marcus, and Karen Hudson.

Lisa's talents and contributions are well known at the university, especially at Parsons, where she has been associate dean for curriculum and instruction since 2009. She was assistant dean for curriculum and learning from 2007 to 2009. She has helped to improve academic quality across Parsons, has managed the development of new and revised degree programs, and has played a significant role in revising Parsons' undergraduate curricula. Lisa will continue to oversee several major projects at Parsons during the next few months as she takes up her new role in the provost's office.

Lisa began at Parsons as an adjunct faculty member in 2002. In 2004, she was appointed associate chair of Design and Management and assistant professor of design research. She received a PhD in Studies in Arts and Humanities from New York University and is finishing post-doctoral training in psychoanalysis. Her transdisciplinary doctoral work examined the place of the arts and humanities within education. Lisa earned her undergraduate degree in fine arts and completed a graduate degree in media studies. Her recent writing and research explores the intersections of psychoanalytic theory, clinical practice, and design.

Please join me in welcoming Lisa DeBenedittis to the Office of the Provost.