News Hartwick College Names Bongiorno Vice President for Academic Affairs

Hartwick College President Margaret L. Drugovich today announced that Dr. Laurel Bongiorno has been named the College’s Vice President for Academic Affairs/Dean of Faculty. She will be responsible for supporting College faculty and academic administrators in the continued integration and expansion of FlightPath into the core academic program. FlightPath is the College’s innovative approach to supporting student success through exposure to a future-focused curriculum, mentoring, and career preparation. She assumes her new role on May 1, 2022.

Bongiorno joins Hartwick from Champlain College in Burlington, VT, where she most recently served as dean of its division of education and human studies with the rank of full professor. At Champlain she held an array of formative roles since her appointment in 1999. For example, she served as Executive Chair of Champlain 2025, which laid the foundation for the college’s strategic plan. She also served as dean of the Stiller School of Business, and was the founding program director for the college’s M.Ed. program in early childhood education.

“Dr. Bongiorno’s record of accomplishment speaks for itself – she is a talented academic administrator who has the experience necessary to provide aspirational leadership for Hartwick’s outstanding academic program,” said President Drugovich. “She will provide support and guidance for our faculty and students as they engage in FlightPath-inspired student learning opportunities. I look forward to welcoming Dr. Bongiorno to Hartwick.”

Prior to Champlain College, Bongiorno was director and consultant for A Place to Grow Children’s Center at Burlington (VT) Health & Rehab Center from 1987 to 1999, where she developed and directed its highly successful employer sponsored child care program.

“I am honored to be selected to serve in this role, and look forward to working closely with Hartwick’s faculty and staff to provide a future-focused approach to education through the unique FlightPath program,” Bongiorno said. “I am excited to become a part of the very special Hartwick College community, and appreciate the warm welcome I have received.”

Bongiorno earned a Ph.D. in education from Walden University, a M.S. in early childhood education from Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development, and a B.A. in business/economics from Gordon College.

She is a member of a number of professional associations and committees, has presented at many industry conferences, and is widely published.