Produced by: Produced by the Office of Marketing and Communications
May 15, 2012
Jerrold Ross, Ph.D., Dean of The School of Education (SOE) since 1995 and Academic Vice President of the Staten Island campus, was born in Brooklyn. He is a staunch New Yorker who is enthusiastic about working on both the Queens and the Staten Island campuses.
What was your first career aspiration?
I always wanted to teach. When I was a senior at the High School of Music and Art in Manhattan, Juilliard offered me a scholarship to study piano, while NYU offered me one for education. Although, I was tempted by the opportunity to train with the great pianist Rosalyn Tureck, I decided to go to NYU. I am convinced this choice benefitted both professions.
Do you remember your first day at St. John’s?
I arrived at Marillac Hall, where The School of Education (SOE) was then located. As I walked down the aisle to my office, I saw rows of secretaries seated at desks close together, surrounded by filing cabinets. The scene reminded me of a factory, provoking me to say, “where are the sewing machines?”
One of my first priorities was to improve the SOE’s working conditions and six years later, we moved to a building designed to fit our needs.
Describe a typical workday.
I split my work week between both campuses. On Tuesdays and Fridays, I go to Staten Island. I take the subway down to the ferry and then enjoy the ride across the bay. Typically, I work into each day meetings with faculty members and admnistrators to discuss their proposals for new programs. On the other days I meet with SOE chairs to discuss administrative issues as well as programs. Following that, I meet with my staff to review our status and draw up plans for the implementation of thse programs. I also meet with students and attend all the committee meetings required of University leadership.
I make time to answer every one of the 100 to 150 emails I receive daily, including messages from the professional organizations and external groups to which I belong, such as the Department of Education (DOE) Arts Education Committee and the Advisory Group to the NYS Commissioner of Education.
If you could live in any other time, what might that be?
I look forward to the future. I don’t believe in looking back. The so-called good old days never existed. There’s never been a time when the rich weren’t enjoying themselves while the poor suffered, peace and prosperity have never existed everywhere and for everyone.
If you could change something about your job, what would you change and why?
I would like to find a way to make things move even more quickly. I’d like to speed up the process of implementing new programs, even though the SOE does have a deserved reputation for acting quickly and being responsive to the changing needs of our students dictated by the job environment.
What is the one thing about you that few people know?
That the New York SundayNews once described me as a “demon director.” That’s when I was in charge of Town Hall for four years in the early ‘70s. They gave me the nickname because, according to the reporter, there was “nothing” in my background “to hint” that I would be able to introduce so many new programs so quickly.
I am sure few people would associate the idea for offering “Legendary Ladies of the Movies” with me. Stars such as Myrna Loy, Bette Davis and Joan Crawford were interviewed live after their film clips were shown. It really caught on. I broadened the guest list to include stage actors, dancers and musicians. Today, these programs are offered nationally.
Another thing few people know about me is that I love to bake.
As a Dean, how would you like to be remembered?
For being visionary, for introducing and implementing key SOE programs, and for spearheading innovative partnerships with private schools, corporations, governmental organizations and other entities.
I also hope to be remembered for being tough but fair, and for helping people to do more than they believe they are capable of doing.
What five words would you use to describe SOE?
Well, the President of St. John’s [Rev. Donald J. Harrington, C.M.] once described the SOE as “market-driven.” I’d add engaging, quality, innovative and proactive.
What’s your proudest achievement at St. John’s?
As I begin my 17th year as Dean, I’m proud that the SOE has spun off more new programs under my tenure than were introduced in its entire history before 1995. (We turned 100 in 2008.) They include an alternative teacher certification program designed for career change students that Joel Klein, the former Chancellor of New York City’s Department of Education, called the “best of its kind.”
I also take pride in having appointed 90 percent of our faculty members and that the SOE is known for having a culturally diverse faculty which seems to attract an equally diverse student body. I am also proud of the fact we’ve designed many special programs to help our graduates to teach students from different cultures.
What makes a degree from the SOE so valuable?
Principals and superintendents often comment on the high quality of our graduates — their professionalism, toolbox of teaching strategies, knowledge of subject matter and ability to engage their students. Our graduates enjoy an enviable post-graduation employment track record despite the prevailing economic challenges. We have also played a key role in shaping New York educational policies by working collaboratively with city and state officials.
What’s the best piece of advice you could give a student?
To work hard and then doubly hard and to be intellectually curious, because employers today are looking for people who are creative and visionary.
What’s an important lesson you’ve learned from a student?
I’ve learned that students are limited only by the limitations of their professors, and that good advisement extends beyond helping students select courses. What is required is an awareness of and sensitivity to the economic, home and family issues confronting students.