New Provost William Tramontano Takes Office

William A. Tramontano, a distinguished educator and researcher in the biological sciences, has become Brooklyn College’s new provost and vice-president for academic affairs, the College’s chief academic officer.

“Dr. Tramontano brings strong leadership to the College, a commitment to faculty growth and development, and a proven ability to initiate and implement new academic programs,” said President Christoph M. Kimmich as the provost assumed his post on Tuesday, July 1.  “Brooklyn College welcomes Dr. Tramontano.” 

A native of Bay Ridge, Tramontano comes to Brooklyn College from Lehman College, where he served as dean of natural and social sciences since 2003.  He also served as the acting provost and vice-president for academic affairs during the 2006–07 academic year.  

“I feel privileged to become part of the Brooklyn College community, and I look forward to serving all its members,” Tramontano said.

Tramontano holds a B.S. in biology from Manhattan College, an M.S. in biology from New York University, and a Ph.D. from New York University with a major in physiology.  In 2002, he received the Distinguished LaSallian Educator Award from Manhattan College.  Tramontano is currently serving the City University of New York on the Research Deans Committee and the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation in Science (National Science Foundation).  

“Coming from CUNY makes the transition easier because of the similarities of the institutions, the semi-centralized nature of CUNY, and my familiarity with the duties of the college provost,” Tramontano said. 

He is a member of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Sigma Xi Honor Society, Botanical Society of America, Council for Undergraduate Research, and National Associations for the Advisors for the Health Professions. Tramontano taught at Manhattan College from 1981 to 2003.  From 1988 to 2002, he served as chairperson of the Biology Department at Manhattan College/College of Mount Saint Vincent, where he also taught biology with the rank of full professor since 1991. He attended the Jesuit Brooklyn Preparatory High School, today the site of CUNY’s Medgar Evers College.

Under his leadership, Lehman College initiated three new academic programs: Master of Social Work, Master of Public Health, and Bachelor of Business Administration.  He was also instrumental in the planning of a new science facility.  

“Facilities are always an issue, as is getting the money for the capital improvements we will need at the College. So whether it’s the Roosevelt science project or the new theaters, those are the things I am going to play a role in,” he said. 

“The intellectual tradition of Brooklyn College is recognized both near and far—it’s a fantastic institution. That said, what I know about the College is probably five percent of what I need to know.”