Deak named vice provost and dean of Graduate School
Terrence Deak has been named Binghamton University’s next vice provost and dean of the Graduate School. He will begin in this new position Aug. 1, 2024.
Deak is moving to his new role after a long history in higher education. After earning his bachelor’s degree in 1994 in psychology with a minor in chemistry from Bowling Green State University, and his master’s and doctoral degrees (MA ‘96, PhD ‘99) from the University of Colorado, Deak earned some field experience in various counseling roles. Beginning in 1994, Deak also began his work in academia, filling a variety of teaching positions in several colleges and universities, including Front Range Community College, the University of Colorado at Boulder and Wright State University. In 2000, Deak accepted a position as senior scientist for the Neurotoxicology Unit at the Naval Health Research Center.
Deak began a tenure within the SUNY system when he joined Binghamton University’s psychology faculty as an assistant professor in the Behavioral Neuroscience program in 2001. He was elevated to associate professor in 2007 and to full professorship in 2014. In 2009, Deak added to his duties by becoming chief of staff for Binghamton University presidents C. Peter Magrath and Harvey G. Stenger, as well as serving as the deputy to President Lois B. DeFleur. In 2016, Deak also filled the interim dean position for the Harpur College of Arts and Sciences. His most recent position with Binghamton University was as director of the graduate program in Behavioral Neuroscience, a position that prepared him well for this new role. His leadership experience is as multifaceted and diverse as his experience, serving as chair, associate director or director in many capacities across campus since 2008 — including his most recent, in 2017, as director of the Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center (DEARC). He has also earned a variety of recognition for his work, including the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarly and Creative Activities.
As the vice provost and dean of the Graduate School, Deak will work with the president and provost to revitalize the Graduate School in order to advance the University’s goals of expanding graduate offerings, increasing graduate enrollment and strengthening graduate education. He will also ensure that Binghamton maintains quality in its doctoral educational offerings as the University continues to develop, support and increase its programs, faculty and students.
“I was thrilled when Terry Deak applied for and ultimately accepted the position of Dean of Graduate Studies,” Provost Donald Hall said. “Terry brings a wealth of administrative experience to the role, as well as a clear vision for supporting and expanding our graduate programs. He has my full support in his work and that of his fellow deans and vice provosts. There are great things ahead for graduate studies at Binghamton University!”
Deak will report directly to the provost while continuing to provide leadership and support the University’s ambitious goals for increased enrollment and diversity among its graduate student population while simultaneously participating in a rethinking of graduate recruitment and admission processes. His role will aim to support new stand-alone and transdisciplinary graduate programs while developing online programming and ensuring that current students are well-prepared for their future careers.
The vice provost and dean will also chair the Graduate Council, supervise the Graduate School staff, direct the academic program review process, provide leadership for effective graduate program development, support the recruitment and success of both domestic and international students — with attention to the needs of underrepresented and first-generation graduate students — and serve as a champion for excellence and innovation in graduate education. Although he will no longer be actively teaching, Deak will maintain his research lab in neuroimmunology and continue on in his role as director of the DEARC.
“Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows come to Binghamton University with unparalleled ambition, and have the potential to be leaders in their chosen fields,” Deak said. “As vice provost and dean of the Graduate School, I look forward to working with faculty, staff and the Binghamton University administration to develop innovative ways to support students’ education and professional development, and so that we can enable versatile and fulfilling career paths for their futures.”