INSIDE BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY
New dean appointed to lead CCPA
By : Rachel Coker
Jane Connor, left, director of the Human Development Department; and Patricia Ingraham, dean of CCPA, sign the beam at the topping off ceremony.
Ingraham, formerly distinguished professor of public administration at Syracuse University’s Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, assumed her new post Aug. 23.
“It’s an enormous opportunity for both the community and Binghamton University,” she said, “and I’m very excited to be part of that.”
Ingraham, 63, a longtime Binghamton resident, received her doctorate in political science/policy science from Binghamton University in 1979 and has taught in the University’s political science department. She also holds a master’s degree from Michigan State University and a bachelor’s degree from Macalester College.
“We’re delighted to welcome a new dean who’s familiar with our growing University as well as the Southern Tier,” President Lois B. DeFleur said. “I look forward to working with Dean Ingraham as she solidifies the vision and mission of the College of Community and Public Affairs.”
Ingraham said she will work with faculty members to establish the college’s presence in Greater Binghamton and among scholars. The college will move next year to the Binghamton University Education and Community Development Center, which is under construction downtown. Ingraham was among those on hand Aug. 7 for a “topping off” ceremony at the project site. University, Broome Community College, state, county and city leaders signed a steel I-beam during the event.
State Sen. Thomas W. Libous, R-Binghamton, noted the $29 million project was little more than a dream just five years ago. “It’s going to bring a tremendous spark and revitalization to downtown Binghamton,” he said.
Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, D-Endwell, a graduate of the University and a former faculty member, said she’s excited about the potential for improved civic engagement and collaborations between the University and the community.
The College of Community and Public Affairs incorporates the departments of Human Development, Public Administration and Social Work.
“This college will strengthen our ties with the surrounding communities and support our ongoing efforts to better educate tomorrow’s leaders,” DeFleur said. “Dean Ingraham is an exceptional academic leader herself, and I know she will work with the faculty, staff and students to advance the college.”
Ingraham’s research interests include the performance of public organizations and leading and managing the people of those organizations. She’s the editor and author of several volumes on governance and a co-editor, most recently, of The Art of Governance: Analyzing Management and Administration.
Ingraham, who has received numerous honors for her teaching and research, received the John Gaus Award for Career Distinction in Public Administration and Political Science from the American Political Science Association in 2004 and the Dwight Waldo Award for Distinguished Contributions to the Profession from the American Society for Public Administration in 2001.
“She has a very strong national reputation in public administration and public policy, excellent ties with organizations in the community and a clear sense of mission for the college, combining teaching, scholarship, research and community outreach,” Provost Mary Ann Swain said. “Her appointment signals our strong commitment to supporting and promoting this new college.”
