The Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President announced last week that the dean of the College of Education and Human Services will step down from his position at the end of this academic year.
Dr. Joseph DePierro will have been the dean for the college for about 11 years when he steps down this summer to take a sabbatical, he said.
"Ten or 11 years is a long enough time for anyone to be dean, and I thought that my college and I would be better served by having someone else step into the position," DePierro said.
According to DePierro, his decision also follows a health issue that occurred previously.
"I experienced a rather daunting health issue that required me to think long and hard about what I wanted to do with the rest of my life," DePierro said.
DePierro will take a leave of absence to relax as well as transition back into the faculty, he said.
"There were a lot of things that I enjoyed (as dean) and a lot of things that were...less than enjoyable," DePierro said. "Perhaps the most enjoyable activity was the ability to participate in the preparation of professionals such as teachers, school leaders, counselors, psychologists and law enforcement leaders who were all dedicated to helping those most in need in society."
DePierro said he is looking forward to down time while on sabbatical but is also looking forward to the "opportunity to engage in some intellectual pursuits."
"I've had a great career as professor and dean at Seton Hall," DePierro said. "I'm looking forward to a few more years of teaching before I finally retire."
The Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President will organize a search committee for a new dean, according to Dr. Larry Robinson, provost and executive vice president.
"We anticipate the search to be completed with a replacement by the time Dean DePierro steps down," Robinson said.
Ashley Duvall can be reached at ashley.duvall@student.shu.edu.
