Meet 3 new deans joining Hofstra University this fall 

Throughout its nearly 90 years as a nationally renowned private educational institution, Hofstra University has remained committed to academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and being on the leading edge of innovation.  Its success lies in its programs, leveraging the resources of Long Island and New York City; its partnerships, with best-in-class organizations like Northwell Health; and its highly accomplished faculty, 93% of which hold the highest degree attainable in their field.  

Hofstra added to its impressive roster of academic leaders with three new deans in the fall of 2023.  Heading up the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies, the Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and the School of Health Professions and Human Services, each new dean brings their wealth of knowledge and professional experience to the Hofstra community, continuing the university’s legacy of excellence. 

Dr. Renee McLeod-Sordjan – Dean, Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies 

The path of least resistance has never appealed to Dr. Renee McLeod-Sordjan. Instead, she’s found unparalleled success in forging new pathways for herself, her colleagues, and her students. She will continue this trailblazing work as the new dean of the Hofstra Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies.

Graduating from high school at age 15, McLeod-Sordjan began her career at just 19 years old, when she was hired by Elmhurst Hospital as one of the country’s first respiratory therapists. In the 38 years since, she has earned three advanced nursing degrees and taught countless future healthcare workers, all while continuing her own clinical work as a nurse practitioner. 

“Dr. McLeod-Sordjan is not only an outstanding educator, but a well-respected clinician and medical ethicist,” said Dr. Kathy Gallo, the school’s founding dean. “I know of no other nursing professional more uniquely qualified who can shepherd the school into the future by developing the next generation of healthcare professionals.”

The Brooklyn native joined the school’s faculty in 2017 before being named vice dean in 2021. She is also an associate professor for the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and director of medical ethics for Northwell Health.

Dr. Eva Badowska – Dean, Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences 

From Victorian and Slavic literature to feminist and psychoanalytic theory, Dr. Eva Badowska has spent her career studying, researching, and teaching subjects spanning the arts and sciences spectrum. She brings more than two decades of that experience to her new role as dean of Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Badowska earned a bachelor’s degree from England’s University of Sussex before moving stateside, where she completed a master’s degree and doctorate at Cornell University. After two years as a Harvard lecturer, she embarked on what would become a nearly 25-year English professorship at Fordham University. During that time, Badowska also held several administrative roles, including chair of the English Department and dean of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. Most recently, she served as Fordham’s dean of faculty of arts and sciences and associate vice president of arts and sciences. 

“Dr. Badowska comes to Hofstra with a stellar record as a scholar and administrator who has dedicated her career to the liberal arts,” Hofstra’s President Poser said. “We are excited to have such an experienced and creative leader at the helm of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.”

Dr. Reginald J. Alston – Dean, School of Health Professions and Human Services 

Dr. Reginald J. Alston, a professor of kinesiology and community health, has been named dean of the School of Health Professions and Human Services. He comes to Hofstra after nearly three decades at the University of Illinois, where he held numerous leadership positions, most recently as the associate dean for academic affairs. 

The South Carolina State and Florida State grad has dedicated much of his career to his award-winning research, which focuses on health and rehabilitation equity. He has overseen studies funded by the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research. Dr. Alston even spent a year as a legislative fellow for former Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin to better understand disability and health policy legislation. 

“Dr. Alston’s commitment to public service and promoting health equity and inclusion will further advance our mission to train patient-centered, community-focused healthcare providers,” President Poser said.

Learn more about Hofstra University’s new faces and new spaces by clicking here.