University of Toledo leaders have brought to a close the search for a permanent dean for the College of Graduate Studies.
Komuniecki
“It is with great pleasure that we announce to you today that Dr. Patricia Komuniecki, chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, has been selected as the new vice provost for graduate affairs and dean of the College of Graduate Studies,” wrote Dr. Rosemary Haggett, Main Campus provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, and Dr. Jeffrey Gold, Health Science Campus provost, executive vice president for health affairs and dean of the College of Medicine, in a memorandum issued to the campus community Dec. 19.
Komuniecki’s appointment took effect Jan. 1.
According to the provosts, the selection of Komuniecki follows an extensive search in which a significant number of extremely qualified candidates submitted their credentials.
“Over her years with The University of Toledo, Dr. Komuniecki has demonstrated exemplary leadership and vision that will translate well into this position,” Gold said. “She has not only been a champion of excellence within her department, but her enthusiasm for this institution has been felt campus wide.”
“Patsy has a temperament that will serve her and the institution well as she works to grow strong and unified graduate studies across our campuses,” Haggett said. “We believe that this appointment will bring a level of stability to this important role that will foster continued innovation and success for our graduate programs.”
Komuniecki has served as chair for a decade, beginning as interim in 1998 and earning a permanent appointment in 2000. Her PhD in zoology came from the University of Massachusetts in 1977 and her master’s in biological sciences from Mount Holyoke College in 1976. She holds a BA in biology from Newton College (Boston College).
“I’m very enthusiastic about this new position and joining the leadership of The University of Toledo,” Komuniecki said. “I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to raise the profile of graduate education at UT.”
“We felt that elevating this position to a vice provost position would give the person in the role the ability to go beyond the operational aspects of our graduate education programs and really focus on developing strategic objectives for this critical component of the University’s mission,” Haggett said.
