Yousuf George is named dean of the College of Visual and Performing Arts and Design
Nazareth University has selected Yousuf George, Ph.D., as dean of the College of Visual, Performing Arts, and Design (VPAD). His role provides academic, strategic, and operational leadership for the college, which encompasses programs in art, music, theatre, dance, design, and arts education, as well as the Arts Center and Glazer Music Performance Center. George brings a profound commitment to Nazareth and a distinguished record of academic leadership in roles across the institution. Most recently, he was VPAD’s interim dean during the 2024-2025 academic year, following his tenure as vice president of strategy and innovation. He also supervises NCAA Division III athletics at Nazareth.
“In his role as interim dean, George demonstrated an ability to listen carefully and communicate clearly, with deep care for individuals and their unique needs,” said Nazareth Provost Maureen Finney. “At the same time, he has also demonstrated a ‘big picture’ mindset as someone who will bring fresh ideas and a strategic approach to guide VPAD's continued growth and success.”
George’s vision for VPAD includes working closely with faculty, staff, students, and community partners to champion a vibrant, inclusive, and high-impact arts education.
“The arts are central to who we are as a university, and to who we aspire to be. I am honored to help lead this next chapter for VPAD, building on the extraordinary legacy of the arts at Nazareth, and advancing a vision that connects creativity, community, and purpose,” said George.
The road to VPAD dean started in the Nazareth mathematics department, where George began as an assistant professor in 2008. He was promoted to associate professor in 2015 and full professor in 2020. He is the co-founder of the Upstate New York Inquiry-Based Learning Consortium and the Rochester Area Math Teachers’ Circle. His work has been recognized by the National Science Foundation, and he was awarded the Mathematical Association of America Clarence F. Stephens Extraordinary Teaching Award.
His leadership journey has included roles as associate dean for the College of Arts and Sciences, associate to the president for strategy and momentum, and founding director of Nazareth’s Institute for Responsible Technology — a pioneering initiative in higher education committed to the ethical and responsible development and application of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
George earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mathematics from the University of Toronto and his doctorate in mathematics from The Pennsylvania State University.
Contact
Julie Long | Chief PR Officer | jlong2@naz.edu | (585) 389-2456 | (585) 781-8186 (cell)
Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.
Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.
