New faces join administration

By Liz Wagner
Collegian Staff
October 17, 2007

La Salle has recently incorporated two new members into the University’s staff. John F. Dolan was chosen as the new vice president of Enrollment Services and Paul Brazina has transitioned from interim dean to dean of the School of Business.

Courtesy of University Communications - Paul Brazina means business.

The search committees consisted of a consultant from a national firm, as well as various faculty members from the English, finance, marketing and communication departments, in addition to other faculty and staff.

Provost Dr. Richard Nigro was the chair on both search committees.

“I’m happy that I was able to participate in both of the searches,” said Nigro. “Like everybody else, I’m looking forward to the contributions both of these people will make to La Salle.”

The search for a vice president of enrollment services began last January. Dolan, in this capacity, will be leading a program that virtually recruits every La Salle student and administers financial aid for the students. Dolan will also conduct institutional research, such as student satisfaction services. His official first day at the University was Oct. 15.

La Salle President Brother Michael McGinniss, F.S.C. worked with Dolan during his time spent as the President of Christian Brothers University in Memphis, Tenn., and was happy with the committee’s decision to choose him as one of the final candidates.

“He has great experience, national exposure, a lot of knowledge in Catholic higher education, and excitement about La Salle,” McGinniss said.

As the dean of the School of Business, Brazina is responsible for the academic direction of the school, and is in charge of raising money for the school and making sure its academic standards are enforced. He must also make sure that the school’s standards are in accordance with the American Association for the Collegiate Schools of Business.

Brazina had been serving as the interim dean during the two years the search had taken place, and was until the official decision was made. He did not apply for the position until this past spring, and was actually a part of the selection committee during the two year search for the dean’s position leading up to his decision to become a candidate.

Because of Brazina’s time as the interim dean, the two year search, according to McGinniss, has not been problematic.

Brazina came to La Salle in 1974 to teach accounting. Originally, when taking the position as interim dean, Brazina had no intention of making his position permanent.

“The interim position seemed like an interesting change from my faculty position,” said Brazina. “While performing the dean’s duties, I gained an appreciation for the creativity associated with the administrative positions at the University, and the difference administrators can make in the life of the institution.”

However, University officials were impressed with his work, and say they were pleased to make his placement permanent.

“Brazina is well thought of by alumni as a great teacher, ambassador and a great example of what La Salle values should be,” McGinniss said.

“We were really very impressed by how he handled himself as interim dean,” said Nigro. “He really wanted to do something. He worked with faculty and got a new Greek program underway. He wanted to get very much involved in outreach to alums and corporations.”

“These two individuals brought a lot of strength to La Salle,” said McGinniss. “They have the kind of vision we need for the next level.”

wagnere1@lasalle.edu