Dear Adelphi Community,
I’m pleased to announce the appointment of Sandra Castro, PhD, as interim dean of the College of Professional and Continuing Studies (CPCS), effective March 15, upon the retirement of Andy Atzert, EdD, the College’s dean since 2019. In this role, Dr. Castro will provide leadership continuity in support of the CPCS mission to provide opportunity for all adult learners to earn undergraduate, graduate and alternative credentials via high-quality programs that offer value, convenience and relevance to the current and future job market.
Dr. Castro has served in administrative leadership of CPCS since 2020, most recently as associate dean and previously as assistant dean for academic programs and academic director and social science program coordinator. Before joining CPCS, she taught in the Department of Sociology and the Latin American and Latinx Studies program, of which she was also the interim program director. Dr. Castro is also co-chair of the Adelphi University Hispanic Serving Institution Task Force, developing an “HSI Index” for transition from an Emerging Hispanic Serving Institution to a Hispanic Serving Institution, leading events for Hispanic Heritage Month with the task force and department units, and serving as faculty adviser to the Latino Student Association since 2016.
During her time in CPCS, Dr. Castro has championed transformative initiatives that support learners of all backgrounds and remove barriers to education. She spearheaded the creation of, and ensured funding for, the Mother-Scholar Awards program, the Caring for Caregivers scholarship and the reinstallation of the Veterans Resource Center Lounge, and coordinated a University-wide Veterans Student Survey to enhance support for military-affiliated learners. She led a campaign to bring back stopped-out students—the Finish Line Program—which has readmitted more than 25 students in the past year alone. Her support for community groups, such as formerly incarcerated women seeking job skills and opportunities to rebuild their lives, underscores her commitment to creating pathways for all learners to succeed, from single parents and caregivers to veterans, full-time workers and historically underserved groups.
Dr. Castro earned a doctorate in social welfare from CUNY Graduate Center and master’s degrees in rural development from the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco in Mexico, and in sustainable development, community development and social action from the School for International Training in Vermont. Her undergraduate degree from CUNY Hunter College is in sociology, Black and Puerto Rican studies.
I’d like to extend my deep appreciation to Dr. Atzert for his leadership and vision of CPCS for the past five years. His work has elevated Adelphi’s programs that are dedicated to lifelong learning and support for nontraditional students, and for that we are grateful.
Please join me in wishing Dr. Castro success in her role as interim dean of the College of Professional and Continuing Studies.
Sincerely,
Christopher Storm, PhD