Who's Who at the University of Pennsylvania

Robert Rescorla, College of Arts & Sciences Dean Robert Rescorla, College of Arts & Sciences DeanAs the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Robert Rescorla has worked especially closely with undergraduate education since his appointment in July 1994. As part of the Council of Undergraduate Deans, he was instrumental in discussions involving the 21st Century project last year, focusing on improving undergraduate education. He also chaired the Research Experience subcommittee. Rescorla has also appointed a committee concerned with students' mathematical ability, as well as their analytical skills. Rescorla also goes out of his way to make contact with students, by lunching in a different dining facility every Friday. And he has maintained his classroom work as well, as a Psychology professor. He also has worked to improve communication with parents by personally writing letters telling them about events and news on campus. Rescorla attended Swarthmore College and completed his graduate work at Penn. He previously served as the undergraduate chairperson for Yale University's psychology department. Rescorla focuses on experimental psychology, with a concentration on learning. In July 1991, Rescorla was named to American Psychologist's list of top 10 contemporary psychologists in the world.