Prof named College dean

Classical Studies Professor Matthew Santirocco became associate dean for the College of Arts and Sciences on January 1, taking over the post held by Norman Adler for the past four years. School of Arts and Sciences Dean Rosemary Stevens said she chose Santirocco to fill Adler's position because he exhibits "leadership in undergraduate education" and "an authoritive voice." "[Santirocco has] the ability to communicate with and listen to students, make difficult decisions and make the undergraduate experience at Penn the best undergraduate experience anywhere," said Stevens, adding that she consulted with groups of faculty and students before choosing Santirocco. She said she was especially impressed by the classics professor because of "his obvious dedication to undergraduate research and teaching" and "his ability to get things done." In his new position, Santirocco said he plans to establish new study-abroad programs, further develop the writing and general requirements and "empower faculty" -- helping faculty members turn some of their ideas into action. He said he hopes to "keep up the wonderful momentum the College has already established" and sustain the "intellectually exciting" atmosphere at the University. "I'm learning so much in just one week [in my new job]," Santirocco said this weekend. "One of the most fun things about this job is learning about Penn -- its students, faculty and programs and making things happen." Before learning of his appointment, Santirocco said he had decided to take a leave of absence for a semester to work on a book. Despite the change of plans, he said he will still take a break from teaching this semester in order to adjust to his new position. Though Santirocco must give up his chair at the classics department, he will continue to live in the the Butcher-Speakman-Class of '28 house in the Quadrangle, at least into the "near future." He said he is "very committed to the first year residences." Faculty members said they are pleased with Santirocco's appointment. "He will be an absolutely outstanding dean of the College," said Adler, who will assume the role of vice provost at Northeastern University in Boston. Adler describes Santirocco as a "a first rate scholar" who is not only a "real intellectual" but is also an "accessible, warm" human being. "He seems to have been placed on this earth specifically to do this job," said Art History Professor David Brownlee. "I don't know anyone who has his combination of knowledge about undergraduate education, an understanding of how to make it better and the administrative and leadership skills to make it happen." Santirocco earned his bachelor's degree from Columbia University, his master's at Cambridge University in England and his doctorate at Columbia. In his four years at the University, Santirocco has immersed himself in various faculty committees, including chairing the Committee on Undergraduate Education. He has also worked with the National Endowment for the Humanities and aided area high school teachers in reading Horace.