Point Park University Names Josie Brown, Ph.D., the Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences Tuesday, March 29, 2022
“Giving students access to real-world opportunities is critical for developing future workers, graduate students and citizens who can contribute in positive ways to our local, national and global environment. I am excited for the opportunity to build on this foundation and locate arts and sciences at the center of the University’s mission."
After the completion of a nationwide search process, Josie Brown, Ph.D., has been named the dean of the School of Arts and Sciences at Point Park University. Brown comes to Point Park from Western New England University, where she was serving as interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and director of study abroad.
“Dr. Brown brings a well-earned reputation as a gifted scholar of Afro-diaspora literature and a talented arts and sciences administrator to both Point Park and the city of Pittsburgh,” said Michael Soto, provost and senior vice president of Academic Affairs. “Our entire University community stands to benefit enormously from her talent and creativity.”
Brown, who has nearly 20 years of experience teaching and leading in higher education, also served for seven years as assistant dean of WNEU’s College of Arts and Sciences. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Bates College, a master’s degree from Queens College, The City University of New York and a Ph.D. from the University of New York at Stony Brook.
It was the student-focused curriculum and an emphasis on internships and co-op opportunities at Point Park that made the opportunity an intriguing one, Brown said.
“Giving students access to real-world opportunities is critical for developing future workers, graduate students and citizens who can contribute in positive ways to our local, national and global environment,” she said. “I am excited for the opportunity to build on this foundation and locate arts and sciences at the center of the University’s mission. It is in arts and sciences where students learn the transferable skills that enable them to be lifelong learners.”
President Don Green believes deans are a critical part of building a strong foundation as Point Park looks ahead to the development of a new five-year plan.
“The hiring of Dr. Brown brings to completion the reshaping of Point Park’s academic leadership,” he said. “With a dean now established in each of our schools, we can accelerate plans to develop a new round of highly productive and innovative degree programs to ensure a long and prosperous future. Through my conversations with Dr. Brown, I believe she will play an important role in this work, and I’m excited to have her here.”
The School of Arts and Sciences is recognized for academic excellence in a diverse range of studies through five departments:
- Criminal Justice and Intelligence Studies
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Literary Arts and Social Justice
- Natural Sciences, Engineering and Technology
- Psychology
The University is targeting a July 1 start date for Brown. Both Green and Soto expressed gratitude to Associate Provost Jim Thomas, who has acted as the interim dean while the University engaged in its national search process.
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