A new “collective of perspectives” has been tapped to guide College of Arts and Sciences strategy and ensure that future generations of graduates are equipped to lead in an unpredictable world.
Adelphi University’s College of Arts and Sciences introduces its first-ever board of advisors, bringing together a cohort of accomplished alumni to guide the college’s strategic direction and strengthen opportunities for students over the next decade. Established for the 2025–2026 academic year, the board will work with Dean Vincent W. Wang, PhD, and faculty leadership to further academic development, carve out new career pathways and expand community engagement.
The Role of the New Board of Advisors
The newly formed Board of Advisors brings together alumni from a wide range of professional fields, creating a direct bridge between the College and today’s workforce. The board members will serve as advisors—sharing real-world insight into industry trends, new and evolving career opportunities, and how the College can better prepare and assist students—effectively positioning them for professional success. Through their experience and networks, the board will help advance the college’s academic mission, while opening doors to experiential learning, mentorship and philanthropic support.
“This board reflects the breadth, talent and impact of our alumni community,” said Dean Wang. “Their perspectives and experiences will help us ensure our programs remain relevant, inclusive and forward-looking, while keeping student success at the center of everything we do.”
Meet the College of Arts and Sciences Board of Advisors
The board of advisors was purposefully constituted to reflect the disciplinary, demographic and experiential diversity of Adelphi University. The board currently consists of six professionals whose careers span STEM, education, law, medicine, the arts, public service and cybersecurity.
Malika Grayson ’11, PhD, holds a BS in physics from Adelphi University and a doctorate in engineering from Cornell University and is currently a technical program manager at Northrop Grumman. She is the co-founder of Career Factory 360, a career consulting and development company. A 10 Under 10 honoree, Dr. Grayson is a strategic engineering leader with more than a decade of experience managing cross-functional teams. She is also a global keynote speaker, bestselling author, and a passionate advocate for mentorship and representation in STEM fields.
Elvin T. Ramos ’06, MA ’07, DA, serves as dean of social sciences and humanities at De Anza College in Cupertino, California. He earned a bachelor of arts in political science in 2006 and master’s degree in the Scholars Teacher Education Program in 2007 at Adelphi University. Dr. Ramos then furthered his education, obtaining a Doctor of Arts in history and education from St. John’s University. A member of Adelphi’s 10 Under 10 young alumni recognition program, his research focuses on world poverty and sustainable development. Dr. Ramos’ leadership experience brings valuable insight into academic innovation and student-centered learning.
Barry Gross ’68, JD, earned a BA in history from Adelphi University and a JD from Albany Law School. He has practiced law for more than four decades, handling more than 1,250 cases during his career. Gross is a founding partner of Parola & Gross LLP and serves as a member of the Adelphi Panther Club Executive Board. His experience offers the college a perspective on legal practice, ethics and alumni engagement.
Sven Dietrich ’89, MS ’91, PhD ’97, a three-time Adelphi University graduate, with a BS in computer science and mathematics, a master’s degree in mathematics, and a doctorate in mathematics, is a professor of computer science at Hunter College of the City University of New York. He is an expert in computer and network security, cryptography, privacy and anonymity. He previously served as a senior security architect at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, has been published widely and has mentored students for more than 20 years.
Katie Aragon ’09, BFA ’22, earned a BFA in studio art and a Master of Fine Arts from Adelphi, and is an art teacher at Valley Stream South High School. While at Adelphi, she was a member of the Honors College and served as a University tour guide. She later earned a master’s degree in museum education from the Bank Street College of Education and spent several years teaching in museum settings. Her work reflects a deep commitment to arts education and student engagement.
A retired physician with more than 30 years of experience in anatomic and clinical pathology, Joseph Lombardo ’75, PhD, earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Adelphi University and a PhD from SUNY Downstate Medical Center. Board certified, Dr. Lombardo served as chairman and laboratory director at several hospital-university medical centers. Among his many accomplishments, he established a full-service virology and STD laboratory at UMDNJ-NJ Medical Center (now the Rutgers School of Biomedical and Health Sciences) and identified the first case of HIV-2 in North America.
What’s Ahead
The board of advisors will meet twice annually and will work closely with Dean Wang to advance strategic priorities outlined in the College’s strategic plan. In the short term, the board will partner and support student research and experiential learning and career opportunities, as well as faculty interdisciplinary teaching and research. Looking ahead, the College plans to strategically grow the board, while maintaining its cohesiveness, to continue building a future-focused and preeminent institution of liberal arts and sciences where every student is promised a high-impact college education.
“This is just the beginning,” Dr. Wang said. “Our board of advisors represents a powerful partnership between alumni and the College—one that will help us prepare students not just for their first job, but for lifelong impact.”