Cory Blad Appointed Dean of the School of Liberal Arts

Cory Blad, Ph.D., has been appointed dean of the School of Liberal Arts at Manhattan College, effective July 1, 2022. 

Blad has been serving as interim dean of the School since March 2021. 

“As interim dean, Dean Blad has led a large and complex School with skill, tact and good humor, promoting and supporting efforts to strengthen the value-proposition of the liberal arts to prospective and continuing students, and championing programs, such as the Digital Arts and Humanities program, that combine traditional liberal arts knowledge and competencies with specific marketable skills,” Manhattan College president Brennan O’Donnell wrote in a letter to the community. “Dean Blad has also demonstrated his effectiveness as a spokesperson for the School of Liberal Arts with prospective students, alumni, potential employers, and donors.”

Blad has contributed greatly to the College in many roles since joining the faculty as assistant professor of sociology in 2009 and while progressing steadily through the faculty ranks to full professor in 2018. Beginning with his appointment as director of the Urban Studies program, which he oversaw from 2010-15, Blad has amassed a strong record of administrative success, including five years as chair of the department of Sociology from 2013-18.  

In addition, he has served with distinction on a variety of important College-wide committees, including the Diversity Council Steering Committee, the College Retention Committee, the Transfer Articulation Committee, the Strategic Plan Development Committee (as co-chair), and the Steering Committee for our Middle States Self-Study.

Blad has engaged in a variety of significant College-wide service positions including service as the deputy chair of the Council for Faculty Affairs, co-chair of the Strategic Planning Steering Committee, member of the Middle States Accreditation Committee, and a member of the Diversity Council.

Prior to arriving at Manhattan College, he held the position of assistant professor of sociology and criminal justice at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

Blad is the author or co-author of three books, and numerous peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, book reviews, and presentations. He holds editorial positions and has served as a reviewer for scholarly journals and publications.

Blad received his Ph.D. in Sociology from the University of Tennessee, his M.A. in History from Northeastern University, and his B.A. in History and Education from the University of New Hampshire.