Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs

Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs

The Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) is responsible for ensuring the quality of the learning and living programs. The VPAA provides leadership and vision for the academic and student life divisions of the University. The position works closely with the President in articulating a vision for the University, in strategic planning, long-range financial planning, and in recommending major policy decisions to the Board of Trustees.

As the Chief Academic Officer of the University, the VPAA is responsible for providing leadership for all academic programs, the University’s libraries, centers and institutes; academic planning, policy, curriculum, faculty hiring and development, student learning assessment and accountability; providing the President with recommendations on faculty promotions and tenure; building espirit de corps between the administration and faculty, enhancing faculty development, providing leadership and resources to support research and curricular development, and insuring an effective pre-tenure and post-tenure faculty review system.

Within the Student Life & Development area, the VPAA leads initiatives to create a dynamic campus life and has oversight of the University’s Division I athletic program, residence life, personal development, recreational life, health services, dining services and student activities. The VPAA fosters the collaboration between academic affairs and student life in order to support the growth of the “whole person” and develops and implements policies that pertain to student life.

Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs

WeiDong Zhu, Ph.D., Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs
Christina Mortellaro, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs and Assessment
Victoria Mauer, MBA, Director of Operations for Academic Affairs
Ruth Vazquez, Executive Administrative Assistant to the VPAA

Faculty Convocation (invitation only)

Faculty Convocation at Saint Peter’s University is a cherished academic tradition that celebrates the achievements, service, and dedication of our faculty, administrators, and staff. This formal gathering marks the start of the academic year, honoring milestone years of service, significant accomplishments, and the shared commitment to excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service. Through inspiring remarks and the presentation of awards, the University community comes together to recognize those who embody the mission and values of Saint Peter’s.

The George F. Johnson, S.J., Faculty Award. Now in its 58th year, the award is named in honor of the legendary Jesuit who served at Saint Peter’s and is presented to a member of the faculty whose excellence in teaching reflects a high level of success in leading students to a knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. The award will be bestowed upon the recipient at Faculty Convocation.

George F. Johnson, S.J., Faculty Award Recipients

2025 – William Luhr, Ph.D. 2012 – Eugenia Palmegiano, Ph.D. 1998 – Joyce M. Henson, Ph.D. 1981 – Luisa N. de la Torre, Ph.D.
2024 – Laura H. Twersky, Ph.D. 2011 – Jerome Gillen, Ph.D. 1997 – Robert E. McCarty, S.J. 1980 – Francis M. Keating, S.J.
2023 – Jennifer Ayala, Ph.D. 2010 – Jon D. Boshart, Ph.D. 1996 – Marjorie Collier, Ph.D. 1979 – John C. Benson, Ph.D. ’53
2022 – Peter Cvek, Ph.D. 2009 – E. Regina Giuliani, Ph.D. 1995 – Loren F. Schmidtberger, Ph.D. 1978 – Alessandro C. Calianese, Ph.D. ’56
2021 – Jeanette M. Wilmanski, Ph.D. ’00 2008 – Rev. Mark T. DeStephano, S.J. 1994 – John F. Wrynn, S.J. 1977 – Prof. Stephen I. O’Malley
2020 – Patricia A. Redden, Ph.D. 2007 – Gerard P. Protomastro, Ph.D. 1993 – Donald J. Cannon, Ph.D. 1976 – Eileen L. Poiani, Ph.D.
2019 – John E. Hammett III, Ed.D. 2006 – David S. Surrey, Ph.D. 1992 – T. Patrick Lynch, S.J. 1975 – James A. Pegolotti, Ph.D.
2019 – Rev. Oscar G. Magnan, S.J. 2005 – Joseph E. McLaughlin, Ed.D. ’77 1988 – Thomas H. Donnelly, Ph.D. 1974 – Prof. Charles A. Dwyer
2018 – Donal J. Malone, Ph.D. 2004 – William A. McKenna, S.J. 1987 – Benjamin A. Michalik, Ph.D. 1973 – Joseph E. Schuh, S.J.
2017 – Marilyn Cohen, Ph.D. 2003 – Henry F. Harty, Ed.D. ’61 1986 – John F. Dunn, Ph.D. 1972 – Prof. Josefine Castan
2016 – Maryellen Hamilton, Ph.D. 2002 – John M. Walsh, Ph.D. ’68 1985 – John M. Buckley, S.J. 1971 – Prof. John T. Coughlin
2015 – Kathleen N. Monahan, Ph.D. ’70 2001 – James P. Jacobson, M.A. ’86 1984 – Prof. Martin H. Rosenbluth 1969 – Angelo Danesino, Ph.D.
2014 – Anna Brown, Ph.D. 2000 – Eugene J. Cornacchia, Ph.D. 1983 – Richard P. Petriello, Ph.D. 1968 – Patrick J. Caulfield, Ph.D. ’47
2013 – Larry E. Thomas, Ph.D. 1999 – James J. Grant, Ph.D. 1982 – Prof. Charles L. Kirby 1967 – George J. Hilsdorf, S.J. ’36

Faculty Convocation Forms

Important Resources

Academic Calendar

Final Exam Schedule

Enrollment Services Center Forms Database

Vice President for Academic Affairs Forms Database

Web Services Request Form (for updates to huangshizhaopin.com and/or the Intranet)

Care Report Form

Saint Peter’s University intranet (internal site; login required)