Christina Cerone, Ph.D. is the new assistant dean of the school of Engineering
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Emmanouel Sofillas, Asst. Sports Editor
Christina Cercone, Ph.D., has been named Assistant Dean of Manhattan University’s (MU) School of Engineering.
In her new role, Cercone will work to enhance the student experience through new initiatives and expanded support services. Among her priorities are developing engineering ambassador programs, expanding recruitment efforts and creating more opportunities for students to connect with the dean’s office.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to be in this position,” Cercone said. “I know how important it is to have solid leadership in the dean’s office, and one of my goals is making sure MU stays at the forefront of engineering education.”
Cercone emphasized that her work will focus on building a welcoming environment for all engineering students. She plans to work closely with admissions to create new events and activities for prospective students, including expanded open house programming and engineering awareness days, while also ensuring current students have direct access to administrative support.
Chris Lalo, a freshman civil engineering major, shared his thoughts on Cercone’s appointment.
“I’m really excited to have Cercone in this role,” Lalo said. “She seems genuinely invested in helping students succeed, and I think having an assistant dean who actually understands our field will make a huge difference in how supported we feel as we progress through the program.”
Cercone’s path to the assistant dean position began with her work as a faculty advisor in the civil engineering department, where she developed a deep commitment to mentoring students. Her experience advising student teams has given her insight into the varied needs of engineering students, from first-generation students seeking resume guidance, to those navigating career planning and course selection.
“Every student comes in with a different need, and learning how to work with each student’s needs is important,” Cercone said. “We have first-generation students here that have just basic questions about how to build a resume or utilize their experiences, and they really value the input we can provide as faculty. Everyone’s needs are different, and that’s one thing I’ve learned, [is] just being able to meet students where they are.”
Cercone will work closely with Associate Dean Parisa Saboori, Ph.D., to implement new initiatives designed to enhance student opportunities. Additionally, the engineering ambassador program will provide students with leadership development while strengthening networking connections within the engineering community.
Anna Schmitt, a sophomore civil engineering major, spoke to The Quadrangle about Cercone’s new position at the university.
“Cercone really listens to students,” Schmitt said. “She makes it clear that she wants students to feel welcome in the dean’s office and that she’s here to help with whatever we need, whether that’s course selection, career advice or just having questions about the program.”
Going forward, Cercone has set clear goals for her tenure. She hopes to create an environment where engineering students feel supported and valued throughout their time at MU, and where student concerns are addressed promptly and effectively by the dean’s office team.
“For me, success in this role means making sure that students feel they’ve been taken care of while at MU,” Cercone said. “One of the things we pride ourselves on here is being student-first, and we want to make sure that experience is being had by all of our students… That would make me really proud to say I accomplished during my time in the dean’s office.”
Cercone will have her office in the dean’s suite by the end of September. She invites all engineering students to stop by her office and introduce themselves.