Baruch College Announces Appointment of New Dean of the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences

Baruch College Announces Appointment of New Dean of the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences

January 21, 2026

Baruch College today announced the appointment of Nukhet A. Sandal, PhD, as Dean of the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences, effective July 1, 2026, subject to approval by the CUNY Board of Trustees.

The appointment follows a national search that included engagement with faculty, staff, and students across the Baruch community.

"Dr. Nukhet A. Sandal is a distinguished scholar and an accomplished academic leader whose work embodies the values of rigorous inquiry, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public engagement that are pillars of Baruch's mission as a leading public institution," said Baruch College President S. David Wu, PhD. "Her impressive record of advancing student success, expanding faculty research, and building impactful external partnerships ideally positions her to lead Weissman at a pivotal moment for liberal arts and sciences education."

"We are delighted to welcome Dr. Sandal to lead Baruch's Weissman School of Arts and Sciences," said Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Linda Essig, PhD. "Her deep experience aligning curriculum with institutional priorities, expanding experiential learning for students, and supporting faculty scholarship will be instrumental in guiding Weissman's continued growth and delivering academic excellence."

Dr. Sandal is currently Associate Dean for Student Success and Strategic Partnerships and Interim Associate Vice President for Community Impact at Ohio University. She was an American Council of Education Fellow during the 2024-2025 academic year.

Bringing Vision, Experience, and Momentum to Baruch

Dr. Sandal earned her PhD in Politics and International Relations from the University of Southern California and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Watson Institute for International Studies at Brown University.

At Ohio University, Dr. Sandal led the curriculum for the College of Arts and Sciences to align academic programs with institutional goals and student learning outcomes. She also established and led Communities of Practice in Experiential Learning, supporting faculty in developing experiential curricula, and building industry and community partnerships.

She expanded faculty research support and external funding opportunities and launched the Center for Community Impact to strengthen outreach and impact.

Academic Leadership and Scholarship

Dr. Sandal's research focuses on peace and conflict, religion and politics, minority rights, and Turkish politics. She is a prolific scholar with three books and over 30 articles to her credit and served as Editor-in-Chief of the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of International Studies (2020-25).

Role at Baruch College

Reporting to the Provost, Dean Sandal will be the chief academic and administrative officer of the Weissman School, responsible for its strategic, operational, and financial direction. Dr. Sandal will lead programmatic innovation; facilitate student success; promote faculty research and scholarly impact; foster external support and partnership; and cultivate an inclusive and dynamic environment.

She will work collaboratively with the deans of the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs, the Zicklin School of Business, and the Newman Library, and with senior leaders across the College, as a member of President S. David Wu's cabinet.

About the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences

The Weissman School of Arts and Sciences offers more than 50 areas of study that blend rigorous theory with practical experience. Its undergraduate and graduate programs emphasize critical thinking, cultural awareness, ethical reasoning, and strong communication and analytical skills, preparing students for a wide range of careers and advanced study.

About Baruch College

Ranked among the top public institutions in the nation, Baruch College of The City University of New York provides a high-quality, affordable education to a diverse community of over 20,000 students. Located in the heart of New York City, Baruch offers rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs through the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs, the Weissman School of Arts and Sciences, and the Zicklin School of Business. Baruch's mission is to empower students to transform their lives and their communities through academic excellence, experiential learning, and a deep commitment to equity and inclusion.

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