October 09, 2019

Susquehanna University has named Dave Ramsaran its next provost and dean of faculty after a national search. Ramsaran has served in an interim capacity since July.

As provost, Ramsaran will serve as the chief academic officer with authority and responsibility for planning, implementing and coordinating all academic programs of the university. He will also lead the continued development of the university’s innovative educational programs and foster faculty development and scholarship.

“Dave’s long tenure at Susquehanna gives him valuable insight into the external forces that are shaping higher education, and the respect he enjoys among his colleagues, his commitment to student success and his ability to interpret data will be especially important assets for Susquehanna in the coming years,” said University President Jonathan D. Green. “I look forward to the work we will do together as we continue Susquehanna’s strong tradition of academic excellence.”

Ramsaran joined the faculty at Susquehanna in 2000 as assistant professor in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. He later chaired the department and became full professor of sociology in 2010. He also directed Susquehanna’s Honors Program and most recently served as associate provost for institutional effectiveness and student and faculty development.

As a professor, Ramsaran has taught courses on the principles of sociology, diversity, quantitative research methods, sociological theory, social stratification, economic sociology and Caribbean culture. He credits his upbringing in Trinidad with influencing his scholarly interest in economic development policy and its effect on people.

“I am looking forward to taking my 17 years of experience in the classroom and using it to influence university policy to improve student success,” Ramsaran said. “I also hope to use my experience as a faculty member to promote faculty development through scholarly research and creative activity.”

Prior to his tenure at Susquehanna, Ramsaran served as a lecturer in the Department of Government Sociology and Social Work at The University of The West Indies, Cave Hill Campus, Barbados. He also taught at American University, Washington, D.C.

He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at The University of The West Indies - St. Augustine, and his doctorate at American University. He is also the author/co-author/editor of four books and numerous articles and scholarly presentations.

He and his wife, April, have one son, Naveen. Ramsaran is an avid soccer fan and enjoys cooking.

The university was assisted by executive search firm Storbeck/Pimentel & Associates.