By Nicarlyle Hanchard / The Jambar
Amy Cossentino, assistant provost of Experiential Learning and Engagement and dean of the Sokolov Honors College at Youngstown State University, assumed the role of dean of Cliffe College of Creative Arts on Feb. 1.
Though she holds multiple administrative positions, Cossentino said she was surprised when first approached with the offer.
“My first thoughts, well, I was a little surprised, but I was very humbled by the request, you know. As I was starting to process the request, I thought this was a way for me to give back to the institution,” Cossentino said.
Jennifer Adams, provost and vice president of Student Affairs, stated that she began considering Cossentino for the role after meeting with CCCA faculty and staff.
“ I had meetings with chairs and folks from the college and an interest to have [Cossentino] serve as their leader was brought to my attention. The final decision was made by me,” Adams stated.
Adams stated that Cossentino’s work as dean of Sokolov Honors College and overall leadership skills made Cossentino a viable candidate for the position.
“[Cossentino’s] leadership emphasizes collaborative engagement, a willingness to listen and help in whatever ways are needed,” Adams stated. “ Her unbelievable dedication to the community was on full display with the recent awarding of the Carnegie Classification For Community Engagement. That spirit will certainly shine through in the very community-engaged Cliffe College.”
As the CCCA continues their creative endeavors, Cossentino said her role as dean is to offer support to the faculty, staff and students. Regardless of a student’s chosen career path, she also said it is important, through this support, to ensure they are career ready.
“The responsibilities will mirror those of all the deans who’ve come before me, you know, it’s really important that we’re collaborating closely with the faculty, the staff, as well as the community partners. Ultimately, what we want to make sure is that we’re really delivering a very high-quality educational experience for our students,” Cossentino said. “Ultimately, [ensuring] that our students are career ready no matter what they plan on pursuing, if it’s being a performer, or an educator, if they’re going to be a designer, or even go on to be an entrepreneur, we want to make sure that they’re ready.”
Echoing Adams’ sentiments, Joe Carucci, director of the Dana School of Music and University Theatre, said Cossentino’s support and experience in community engagement is a great addition to the mission of the CCCA.
“Community engagement is a very important goal and value of Cliffe College — we spend a lot of time creating bonds with the community, serving the community, partnering with the community in different ways … and just trying to create this homebase of synergy, of community support,” Carucci said. “She’s already in that role and was key to the Carnegie application, and I think that this is a wonderful partnership.”
Acknowledging change as a constant in life, Cossentino also said she is aware that some people may be apprehensive about the change of deans, but emphasized that these uncertainties may offer room for growth.
“When there’s really an authentic commitment to working collaboratively and communicating openly, establishing a culture and environment that is built on respect and transparency, I really think that those concerns can fade,” Cossentino said.
