Contact information: 413/775-1206
Web link:

Contact: David Ram
Phone: 413/775-1206
E-mail: ram@gcc.mass.edu

Media contact: Liz Carroll
Marketing & Publications
413/775-1420 | carroll@gcc.mass.edu

Release date: March 28, 2005

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GCC names new academic dean

Greenfield Community College has named David Ram as Dean of Academic Affairs, following a three-month national search, announced President Robert L. Pura. "David Ram's understanding of and passion for teaching, learning and GCC is the foundation on which he will lead the Division of Academic Affairs,” says Pura. "We are fortunate to have him in this key position.”

David Ram has previously served as Interim Dean of Academic Affairs, Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs, and Professor of English in the course of his nine-year tenure at GCC. He holds a bachelor of science degree from Suffolk University in Boston, and a master's degree in English from Northeastern University in Boston. He is currently enrolled in a doctoral program at UMass. Amherst.

"I believe my job is to help the faculty articulate what they want to do,” says Ram, "and then to help them achieve that for their students. I have a lot of trust and confidence in our faculty.”

Ram sees his biggest challenge as making the most of limited resources. "Even though we're small,” says Ram, "we still offer the range, the variety and full complement of courses that any comprehensive community college would offer. Our full-time faculty are stretched so thin, it's a challenge to keep their energy level up because of the demands of their work. The college relies heavily on adjunct faculty, and it's a challenge to integrate them fully into the life of the college.”

As a teacher, Ram enjoyed developing interdisciplinary curriculum and hopes to encourage innovations that benefit students.

For more information, please call David Ram at (413) 775-1206.