University Provost James J. O’Donnell announced the appointment of Robert L. Manuel as dean of Georgetown’s School of Continuing Studies Thursday.
“I am excited to work with him to build on the successful programs we now have in place and to develop new strategic partnerships for Georgetown,” O’Donnell said in a campus-wide broadcast e-mail.
Manuel will replace Interim Dean Robert Thomas, effective Jan. 1, 2006.
“I am really professionally excited about joining the Georgetown Community,” Manuel said in an interview. “I think that the leadership has done an outstanding job to position SCS and make it the model of what continuing education should be.”
As dean, Manuel will administer Georgetown’s professional, summer and continuing education programs. He will also be charged with directing the university’s campus in Clarendon, Va.
Manuel previously served as assistant dean and clinical associate professor at New York University’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies, where he administered associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in addition to online certificate programs. During his tenure at NYU, Manuel increased online student retention rate and decreased the number on non-credit course cancellations.
Interim Dean Thomas praised the choice of his successor.
“In my opinion, Dr. Robert Manuel is the best person for the job. His background and experience have prepared him well to be a dean at Georgetown and to continue the development of SCS,” he said.
Manuel has also served as chief information and technology officer at NYU’s SCPS, and assistant to the president for enrollment services and planning. He has been involved in admissions at both NYU and LeMoyne College.
Manuel earned his Ph.D in higher education administration from NYU, a master’s degree from Syracuse University and a bachelor’s degree from Allegheny College.
He said he will move to Washington, D.C., with his wife and two children.
Thomas, though stepping down from his position as interim dean, will retain his post as director of the Center for Professional Development until a replacement is found. He will return to his position as a faculty member in the McDonough School of Business at the start of next semester.
O’Donnell appointed Thomas as interim dean two years ago. In December 2004, the Board of Directors voted to combine the School for Summer and Continuing Education with the CPD to create the School of Continuing Studies.
In his broadcast e-mail, O’Donnell praised Thomas’ tenure as interim dean.
“His work enabled Georgetown to expand its professional development program and open its new Clarendon, Va. location,” O’Donnell said.
Despite his eventful tenure in the SCS’ dean’s office, Thomas said he is looking forward to getting back to teaching.
“Five years is too long to be out of the classroom” he said.