Michele Saracino appointed the new Associate Dean of the Kakos School of Arts and Sciences

Michele Saracino, Ph.D., has been appointed to the role of Kakos School of Arts and Sciences Associate Dean. She brings a wealth of institutional expertise and knowledge to this position.

As part of her new responsibilities, Dr. Saracino will assist with initiatives coming from the dean's office including, developing curriculum and programs, assisting with program updates and assessment to guarantee rigor and relevance, and assisting the education department with its accreditation process. Also, she will collaborate with leadership on internal and external articulation agreements, support student enrollment and retention activities throughout the school, and guarantee adherence to College, school, and external (state, accrediting agency) regulations and procedures.

Dr. Saracino is well-suited for this position. During her 22-year tenure at Manhattan College, she served as chair of the Religious Studies department from 2013–2017 and developed the Religion Matters Program. She also created the Judith Plaskow Lecture for Women and Religion, developed the Religious Studies Honors Thesis, and acted as co-coordinator of the Honors Enrichment Program. 

“I am grateful for all the opportunities I have had to be part of the Manhattan College community over the past two decades,” said Dr. Saracino. “I look forward to supporting Dean Marcy Kelly in growing the new Kakos School of Arts and Sciences.”

Part of the tremendous experience Dr. Saracino brings to this role includes serving on several collegewide, schoolwide, and departmental committees — most recently the Council for Faculty Affairs, the Promotion and Tenure Committee, and the Enrollment Management and Advisory Committee. Currently, she is leading an admissions initiative to prompt engagement and connection between new and current students and their families.

“I am excited to have Dr. Saracino join our team.  Her extensive experience at the College as a faculty member and an administrator will be an asset to our continued forward momentum,” said Marcy Kelly, Ph.D., dean of the Kakos School of Arts and Sciences.

Throughout her esteemed career at Manhattan, Dr. Saracino has participated in various Lasallian formation programs, including the original Lasallian Leadership Conference. Her teaching and research focus on the areas of Christian anthropology, contemporary continental theory, and psychologies of the self. She has also published four books, an edited volume, and various essays. Her most recent work explores theological interpretations of hope and despair. Additionally, Dr. Saracino has been elected to leadership positions at the foremost theological organizations, now serving as the program coordinator for the American Theological Society and as a member of the Centennial Committee for the Catholic Theological Society of America.