According to a press release sent to students this afternoon, Columbia’s Tom Harford has been appointed to the GS Dean of Students position. Harford has most recently served as the SCE’s associate dean of non-degree programs. He’ll be filling in the gap left behind from Scott Halvorson, who resigned this past May.

Harford will be taking on the official Dean title on September 15, according to GS Dean Awn’s announcement.

Press release:

Peter J. Awn, Columbia University School of General Studies dean, announced on Aug. 24 that Tom Harford, Ph.D., was appointed the GS dean of students. Harford will assume the dean of students position on Sept. 15.

“It is a privilege for me to welcome Tom Harford to the administrative team at the School of General Studies. Dr. Harford brings to GS a wealth of academic and administrative experience, as well as a passion for the Columbia University undergraduate program and the mission of GS,” said Awn in an email announcement to students and administrators.

As Dean of Students, Harford will oversee the Office of the Dean of Students operations and work closely with the GS advising team to enhance the undergraduate program and support of GS students. Harford will also work closely on all aspects of undergraduate academic affairs, academic support services and student life.

Harford, who holds a doctorate in medieval English literature from the CUNY Graduate Center, has more than 15 years of experience in student affairs and academic advising. Most recently, as Columbia University School of Continuing Education associate dean of non-degree programs, Harford oversaw a diverse portfolio of academic programs serving roughly 3,000 students, including Postbaccalaureate Studies, certificate programs, and summer sessions. During his tenure at SCE, he also implemented a number of vital services, designed a robust student affairs operation, and engaged in academic program development and implementation.

Prior to joining Columbia University, Harford held senior administrative positions in academic and student affairs at the City College of New York, where he also taught in the English and History departments.