THE ART INSTITUTE OF PITTSBURGH APPOINTS DR. SHARON L. FROSS VICE PRESIDENT OF ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
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PITTSBURGH --- The Art Institute of Pittsburgh Board of Trustees and President George L. Pry announced today that Sharon L. Fross, Ph.D. has accepted the position of Vice President of Academic Affairs. Dr. Fross will commence her new role on June 29, 2009.
Dr. Fross will relocate to Pittsburgh after five years as Vice Provost for University Outreach at The University of Massachusetts Amherst. She was recruited to serve as the first permanent chief executive and academic division officer for the University's Arts Extension Service, Continuing and Professional Education, Creative Economy, UMass Extension, Public Radio and University Without Walls.
"We believe Dr. Fross' robust experience in traditional higher education as well as her pioneering role in achieving greater acceptance and integrity for delivery of online education position her to be a good fit for The Art Institute of Pittsburgh," said George L. Pry, President. "Dr. Fross' achievements parallel our historic mission for career preparedness."
Dr. Fross earned her Ph.D. in Educational Administration at the University of South Carolina; Masters of Public Administration at the College of Charleston; and B.A. in History at the College of Charleston. Prior to this appointment, she served as Director of Continuing Education at Penn State University and Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs at the College of Charleston. She has participated in professional delegations to South Africa, Germany and Spain. Dr. Fross has also served on many boards including the Springfield Technical Community College Corporation Assistance Board, the Association of Public Land-grant Universities Community Engagement and Outreach Council, and the Charleston Center for Women.
Dr. Fross plans to relocate to the Mt. Lebanon neighborhood of Pittsburgh in June with her husband Daniel Dobbins, who is retired from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, and her adult children Jessica and Ryan Pothering.
"The Art Institute of Pittsburgh brings a longstanding commitment to student-centered education, curricular innovation and career placement. I look forward to working with President Pry and The Art Institute of Pittsburgh community on behalf of the students so they are well prepared for the world in which they will work and live.”