Finance professor appointed as new Wharton deputy dean

It's lonely at the top. Joining newly-appointed Wharton Dean Thomas Gerrity is Wharton Deputy Dean Anthony Santomero, the Richard Mellon professor of finance. Santomero, who began his Wharton career in 1972, has held various positions in the school as both a professor and administrator. He has also served as the co-chairperson of finance department and the vice-dean of the Wharton Graduate division. Gerrity said of the appointment that he looks forward to working with Santomero, saying that the finance professor will bring a lot to his post. "]He will[ play an integral role as we develop a strategy for the school that will generate even greater strengths and accomplishments in our teaching and research," Gerrity, who was unavailable for comment, said in a statement. The process of selecting a deputy dean is a "complex" one. Santomero said that Gerrity, the dean's advisory board, and the provost's office "work together to find someone to assist them." While Gerrity was selected for his broad range of experience in the private sector, Santomero has 19 years of experience at the University. Santomero served on the selection committee that chose Gerrity and said that their pasts complement each other well. "I have worked through the ranks," the new deputy dean said earlier this month. "We're excited to have a nice match." Santomero received his doctorate in economics from Brown University and is an expert of risk and bank financial management. The finance professor said the dean decides the goals and direction of Wharton, adding that it he will focus on assisting in achieving them. "This is an exciting time to assist the Wharton School as we move into the 21st century," Santomero said, adding that the school has implemented various new methods to expand their present curriculum, especially in the executive education field. "We have produced educational videos, a series of books, manuscripts, and television news reports," he said. Santomero is succeeding Edward Bowman, who served as acting deputy dean for the past 18 months. Bowman had extended his tenure by six months to assist Gerrity in his transition to the University. Bowman also helped select Santomero.

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