President Chris Brussalis
“Get to know all the services and support Point Park has in place to help you adjust both in and out of the classroom. There are people all over campus whose priority is to make sure you succeed.
First, show up! You need to be present and visible for things to happen. Second, get engaged! After you show up, meet people, network, and get exposure to the opportunities around you. Finally, have fun! Life is too short. If you are having fun, you may do more of it, which is good for the soul and can lead to more opportunities.”
As president, Brussalis said his role is to make sure that faculty and staff have the resources and systems in place to deliver the best-possible experience for students and that it’s also critical he is focused on the future of Point Park to make sure the university is positioned to grow and thrive in the years ahead.
Provost Dr. Michael Soto
“Give yourself the gift of time to savor individual moments, then record the moment somehow. Write in your journal. Sketch a picture. Write a poem. (We couldn’t record a TikTok back then.)”
As provost and the University’s chief academic officer, Soto said it’s his role to ensure that Point Park students receive a world-class education. He said he wants graduate programs and future employers to know that a Point Park degree means that a student is prepared to thrive.
Soto oversees all academic programs, faculty, academic support staff, departments of student affairs, registrar and institutional research and planing, and the library. Prior to his current role Soto was vice president for academic affairs and professor of English at Trinity University in San Antonio Texas. He authored six books according to Point Park’s website. One of them titled, “Measuring the Harlem Renaissance.”
Vice President of Student Affairs Keith Paylo
“Students should get involved in what interests them, and if they’re interested in something we might not offer, then create it themselves! Students who are involved are more successful and have a more fulfilling student experience. Budget your time accordingly, but make sure to have fun, get involved and make an impact.”
As dean of students, Paylo said he oversees 28 different areas under Student Affairs. He is responsible for the “student experience” ranging from academic and non-academics and represents a student’s needs before and after graduation.
Vice President of Athletics Scott Swain
“Go to class and be engaged. Have fun in college but not too much fun. Study hard and get the best grades possible but also enjoy all that Point Park has to offer outside of the classroom: clubs, activities and attending Pioneer sports games.”
As the Vice President of Athletics, Swain is in a multifaceted leadership role. He spends a great deal of time managing coaches and staff to achieve the goals of the University. He said he also works with other departments to fundraise and put on special events along with general athletic games on and off campus.
Police Lieutenant Mathew Mays
“Make choices with your future-self in mind. Decisions you make today, do and can have a lasting impact on your life.”
In his role as Lieutenant for the police department, Mays said he works closely with Chief Besong in overseeing day to day operations. This includes, scheduling, training and supervising all police officers and dispatchers. Mays serves as the manager for the department’s PLEAC accreditation, which ensures that the force’s policies are in line with the best practices established by the PA Chiefs of Police Association.
Vice President of Enrollment Management Marlin Collingwood
“This is one of the rare moments in your life where you can truly become whoever you aspire to be! When you arrive here, there are no preconceived
notions about who you are. Seize this chance to transform
into the person you’ve always dreamed of becoming.”
As Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing, Collingwood is responsible for all new student
recruitment and supervises all aspects of marketing the University.
Dean of the Conservatory of Performing Arts Garfield Lemonious
“Take advantage of all that the university and the city offers. Attend events and performances both on and off campus. Your freshman year lays the groundwork for the next four. Explore! It’s all a process, it’s ok to not have all the answers.”
As artistic director, Garfield said he works with faculty to maintain academic and artistic integrity of department programs and maintain efforts to achieve equity, diversity, and inclusion in every facet of the conservatory. He also curates productions to enrich student development.
Dean of Rowland School of Business Stephen Tanzili
“1) Be present- attend class. 2) Be engaged- not only attend class, but come prepared to ask questions and participate.
3) Be active- be an active participant not only on our campus, but in Pittsburgh. I believe companies hire good people that understand the impact of giving back and doing good.”
As a dean for the last seven and a half years, Tanzil is proud of his industry-focused faculty, innovative curriculum and Downtown location that assists leading students to employment opportunities.
Interim Dean of School of Arts and Sciences Matt Pascal
“Get to know everybody you come across. Every freshman who comes to Point Park is backed by a support team. Your instructors and advisors are working hard to make sure you achieve your goals. In many ways, their jobs boil down to making Point Park thrive, which includes your success.”
As a dean, Pascal said he enjoys taking broad ideas from administrators and making them a reality. Responsibilities like fundraising, accreditation, curriculum or student support. He thinks of himself as a faculty advocate to the administration.
Vice President of Human Resources Natalie Rice
“Always bring the best of yourself to your work and studies. Be honest and authentic in all you do.”
In Human Resources, Rice said her main job duties entail overseeing comprehensive Human Resource services in the areas of selection and employment, compensation and benefits administration, employee and labor relations, performance management, employee development, and student employment opportunities.
Dean of the School of Communication Raymond Ankney
“Challenge yourself. Go outside of where you feel comfortable and get involved with student media, the first week of classes. Start building a portfolio on day one. Embrace the opportunities that come with attending college in a city. Going to class is important. Doing the reading and assignments is key to getting a good start.”
As a dean, Ankney said his job is to ensure SOC offers cutting edge and nationally ranked BA and BFA programs. He helps to coordinate Point Park’s student media and address student and parent questions.
Dean of the School of Education & Continuing Professional Studies Shari Payne
“Take time to experience as much as you can. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. That’s what college is for! Your first semester will kick into high gear a few weeks, but don’t stress out. There are built-in semester breaks, like Thanksgiving and Spring Break, that help you decompress.”
As Dean of two programs, Payne said she gets to work with amazing faculty and staff in both Schools. She is responsible for upholding the academic quality and student educational experience for the two.
