Dear Members of the Bates Community,

I write to share the news that Rosanna Ferro will join the Bates community as vice president for student affairs, effective Dec. 2, 2024.

Rosanna comes to Bates after serving as chief of education at College Track, a comprehensive college access and completion nonprofit based in Oakland, California. She previously served in student affairs leadership roles at Rutgers University, Williams College, and Ithaca College. As vice president for student affairs and campus life at Ithaca, she played a critical role in developing and implementing strategic initiatives that enhanced the student experience and reshaped the student affairs division to become more student-centered.

This Bates News story shares more about Rosanna’s appointment.

Rosanna’s extensive background in student affairs, her commitment to fostering inclusive communities, and her passion for higher education will be incredible assets as we continue to strengthen the student experience at Bates. Her proven leadership and dedication to student success will be a great addition as we move forward with a vision of community, academic excellence, and engaged citizenship.

I am grateful to the members of the search committee, chaired by Whitehouse Professor of Psychology Amy Douglass, for their thoughtful and thorough efforts in finding a new leader to serve our community. The committee received valuable support from Spencer Stuart, a leading global executive and leadership search firm.

I would also like to thank Dean of Students Erin Foster Zsiga for her dedicated service as interim vice president for student affairs since February, as well as all members of the Student Affairs division for their continued contributions to Bates during the leadership transition.

All my best,

   Garry