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Two new deans will rely on their academic experience and love of knowledge to help steer ������ý����’s academic future. Dr. Patricia Mosto is the new dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Education, and Sciences (CLAES), while Dr. Sharon J. Sherman of Hopewell, N.J., is the new dean of the School of Education.

Mosto, of Pitman, N.J., succeeds Dr. Joseph E. Nadeau, who retired after serving 11 years as dean. Mosto, who will also serve as a professor of Biology and assumed her roles at ������ý���� on July 1, brings 26 years of teaching experience and 13 years of administrative experience in higher education.

“Dr. Mosto brings a wealth of experience as a faculty member, chair and senior administrative leader to ������ý����. She is a distinguished academic, and I feel we are most fortunate to have her as a colleague,” said Dr. Donald Steven, the University’s Provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.

Mosto comes to ������ý���� from Rowan University, where she served as interim Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and professor of Biology. Mosto’s prior administrative posts included chair of Rowan University’s self study for the Middle States Commission of Higher Education, interim Associate Provost for Academic Affairs and chair of the Biology Department.

“I see the appointment as dean as a problem-solving leader,” Mosto said. “As a teacher you affect the students directly. As a dean, you are leading and supporting colleagues who are teaching them.”       

Mosto has conducted research for the Naval Service for Investigation and Development in Argentina, as well as Rohm & Hass, Corp., and the Academy of Natural Sciences in Pennsylvania. Her work has also been published in more than 100 publications and presentations. Mosto has received research grants totaling more than $1 million dollars.

Mosto holds a doctorate in Environmental Biology from the University of Buenos Aires-Argentina. She also holds a master’s degree in environmental sciences from Drexel University, a master’s degree in Phycology (the study of algae) from the University of Texas at Austin and a master's degree in Aquatic Biology from the University of Buenos Aires-Argentina. In addition, Mosto holds a N.T.A. in Education from the Teachers College N 6-Argentina.

“I immediately fell in love with ������ý���� and its people,” Mosto said. “I think there is tremendous opportunity for growth. I’m looking forward to the challenges.”

A published author, Mosto also enjoys writing poetry. Her latest collection of poetry is entitled Senderos de Añoranzas, or Paths of Longings.

Sherman, who began work on August 1, brings more than 35 years of professional experience in the fields of higher education, secondary education and the sciences.

“I think ������ý����’s School of Education is a gem. We have outstanding faculty and staff, and a variety of high quality programs,” said Sherman, a resident of Hopewell, N.J. “I am impressed by the students I have met. They are highly motivated and eager to gain the expertise they need to work in the 21st century.”

Sherman comes to ������ý���� from The College of New Jersey, where she most recently served as co-founder and director of the Center for Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education and Professor with Merit. In her role as director of the center, Sherman was a leading member of a team that brought more than $10 million in grant funds for mathematics, science and technology education.

In addition, she has held positions at Princeton University, Rutgers University and the New Jersey Department of Education. She holds a doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision and a master’s degree in Science Education from Rutgers University. She received her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from New York University.

Earlier in her career, Sherman worked as a chemist for a company that developed the first soft contact lenses and a variety of products made from polymers.  Shortly after she discovered her passion for education and began her career, which included writing college-level science textbooks and teaching at the middle school, high school, and community college levels.

In her spare time, Sherman takes photos of nature and paints watercolors. Avid travelers, Sherman and her husband enjoy taking trips to rain forests, such as Costa Rica, Australia and New Zealand. They have two sons, a daughter-in law and two grandchildren.