As 2016 began, Barbara Randazzo launched her new career as the Dean of the Elizabethtown College School of Continuing and Professional Studies (SCPS). Prior to accepting this position, Randazzo served as the interim dean of the School. She has worked in the College since 2000. Her appointment will bring changes to the SCPS, including the expansion of graduate programs and advancement in online opportunities.
One area Randazzo will focus on is the growth of graduate programs. Currently, the SCPS offers two graduate programs: Masters of Business Administration and Masters of Science in Strategic Leadership. In the future, Randazzo said that she seeks to implement more graduate programs that best fit the region and answer the needs of employers.
Along with expanding the graduate program, Randazzo also aims to make advancements in the program’s delivery of online education. In an age of ever-evolving technology, there is a plethora of educational resources available. “We want to deliver courses to our students with the best technology we possibly can,” Randazzo said. The SPCS offers courses online, and in many cases technology is a key element in the classroom. In her time as dean, Randazzo hopes to keep it up-to-date and easily accessible to all students.
Randazzo also hopes to build upon the strengths of the SCPS program. Within the program, Randazzo says, the focus is always on the adult learners and meeting their needs. It has campuses in multiple locations, including Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York, which serves to broaden the influence of the College. Online programs make obtaining degrees manageable for many working adults. Furthermore, many of the classes are fast-paced and flexible. Instead of a traditional fifteen-week program, eight five-week sessions are available for students to take. “The accelerated nature of the classes allow adult students to have their lives and still be able to come to college,” Randazzo said.
Randazzo was selected from a national search pool of over 100 candidates. In a recent Headline News article, Senior Vice President and Provost Susan Traverso said, “Barbara will advance the School in new directions, expanding quality online degree opportunities, partnering with the High Center and serving the educational needs of working adults in the region.”
Overall, Randazzo hopes that the SPCS will reach new heights in the field of adult education. She stated that the School will be continually updated by reviewing curricula and further developing faculty skills, and online advancement will remain a priority. For Randazzo, the best part about the program is learning where the adult students have come from and helping them achieve their dreams. “You just can’t beat that,” Randazzo said. “It’s awesome to feel we are a part of [their] stories.”
Randazzo feels that her past experience has prepared her for her new position. Throughout her time at the School, Randazzo was involved in admissions, marketing, and academic advising. She has been on the management team for the last six years. “It was a natural progression,” Randazzo said regarding her appointment. “It definitely feels right. I feel ready to take on the role.”
Beyond her work for the College, Randazzo is a member of a number of groups including the Elizabethtown College’s Social Enterprise Institute Advisory Group, the Commission on Accelerated Programs, and the Education Committee of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry. She also is a member of the Commission for Accelerated Programs, the Association for Continuing Higher Education and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning. Before she worked at the College, Randazzo also worked as an employee relations manager at the Franklin Mint in Wawa, Pa., and an assistant supervisor in labor relations and personnel for SEPTA in Philadelphia, Pa. She obtained her master’s degree in Leadership and Business Ethics from Duquesne University and her bachelor’s degree from St. Joseph’s University.
The School of Continuing and Professional Studies aims to deliver accessible programs for adults striving towards higher education. During her time as dean, Randazzo hopes to expand upon the strengths of the program, as well as to continue to make updates to better serve the students.
–Megan Kane
