Tracy Gottlieb, Ph.D., dean of Freshman Studies, has been appointed as vice president of Student Services.
This is a new division in the University that brings together Freshman Studies, Special Academic Programs, which focus on academic success, and Student Affairs, which focuses on educating the whole person.
Student Services will focus on improving student life overall on campus, according to Gottlieb.
"This is a natural marriage between two essential areas," Gottlieb said.
Gottlieb said she looks forward to continuing to work with students who need special attention.
"I am eager to work in new ways with students who have difficulty," Gottlieb said.
Last year, Freshman Studies and Student Affairs created an academic coaching initiative. This focused on giving students extra guidance.
As vice president, Gottlieb will be able to continue to work on such projects.
"We intend to focus energy on populations who could use extra attention," she said.
Gottlieb said she hopes to maintain close contact with students.
"I hope students will take seriously my open-door policy," Gottlieb said. "If my door is open on the second floor of the UCenter, I would love them to poke their head in, introduce themselves and tell me how their day is going."
With her new position, Gottlieb has moved her office to the second floor of the University Center from Mooney Hall.
"After 11 years in Mooney Hall, I sometimes forget in the morning and go to the wrong building," Gottlieb said.
Gottlieb continues to work in areas familiar to her.
Community Development, another area under the new division of Student Services, is one such area.
The area shared responsibilities with Freshman Studies in hiring and training peer advisers and planning student orientation.
"In a very real way, working more closely with Community Development is like getting to know an old friend in a new way," Gottlieb said.
According to Gottlieb, an alumas of the University, Seton Hall has always been a part of her life.
Gottlieb's father graduated from the University in the 1930s and her mother graduated at the age of 75.
Her husband enjoys taking classes at the University in his spare time, according to Gottlieb.
Gottlieb's son is also a student at the University, and all of her children are Seton Hall basketball fans.
Many members of Gottlieb's extended family also have attended the University and the law school and are enrolled in advanced degree programs.
"We bleed blue," Gottlieb said. "What can I say?"
In her spare time Gottlieb likes to hike, read and travel. She is also a sports enthusiast.
"It is my misfortune that I am a serious fan of the New York Mets," Gottlieb said. "The good news is that I am also a Giants fan and looking forward to the Super Bowl."
Erin Williams can be reached at erin.williams@student.shu.edu.
