Dr. Ann Rivera, Chair of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies
Dr. Ann Rivera, an assistant professor of English at Villa Maria College, has been named the new chair of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies.
According to Dr. Ryan Hartnett, interim vice president for academic affairs, Dr. Rivera has been an integral faculty member, bringing clear communication, collaboration, and mindfulness to her many projects and roles, including her work as the Writing Across the Curriculum Coordinator, Middle States Working Group Chair for Standard III, and her co-authoring of the Student Success Plan.
In her new role as chair, Dr. Rivera will continue to support the success of our students, and provide leadership to our staff and faculty. Her appointment as Chair will begin officially on August 20, 2018.
Dr. Rivera succeeds Joyce Kessel, who served previously as chair for almost six years. Kessel will continue to serve as a Professor of English in our Creative Writing and Literature program, and aid our students through the many initiatives and projects she leads and helps support.
“While we all will miss Professor Kessel’s dedication to the Liberal Arts and Professional Studies department, I am honored to serve as the new chair of the department,” said Dr. Rivera. “I look forward to supporting the faculty and programs that are central to the College’s mission and vision.”
Dr. Rivera began working at Villa Maria College in 2012. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy, and a Master of Arts degree from SUNY at Buffalo, and a Bachelor of Arts from Hampshire College.
