Enrico Pontelli, computer science professor and department head, will take the position of interim associate dean in New Mexico State University’s College of Arts and Sciences as of July 1.
“Enrico Pontelli has been an outstanding department head, who is noted for his extensive research collaborations across disciplines," said Christa Slaton, dean of NMSU's College of Arts and Sciences. “His ability to be attentive to administrative details while also understanding the big picture is an important quality that will make him an effective member of the leadership team in our large and diverse college."
Pontelli will replace associate dean Lisa Bond-Maupin, who was recently selected to become the founding dean of the College of Social Sciences and Communication at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
“The College of Arts and Sciences is a complex and large entity, whose administration and operation present great challenges and opportunities,” Pontelli said. “When Dean Slaton approached me with the idea of stepping up as interim associate dean she convinced me that this would provide an opportunity to learn new skills and grow in my understanding of university administration.”
Pontelli’s new duties will include coordinating the College Advising Center as well as assisting the dean with enrollment management, instructional resources, promotion and tenure processing and strategic planning.
“I am looking forward working with the director of the Advising Center to continue exploring ways of maintaining an effective communication with students, helping them to stay on track with their degrees and aiding in identifying as early as possible difficult situations that require special interventions,” he said.
Pontelli intends to work with the dean and college leadership to explore new avenues to engage students with diverse backgrounds in ways that cross boundaries of individual disciplines and embody a broad vision that such a large college represents.
“It is a distinct honor to have the opportunity to work with a group of people that is so talented – I believe I have a lot to learn from them.”
Information from: NMSU