Professor Rachel Razza has joined the Dean’s Cabinet at Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) as the associate dean of interdisciplinary affairs and partnerships. Previously, she served as the associate dean of human dynamics at the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics. In her new role, Razza will oversee the transition of certain Falk programs into the newly created Department of Human Development and Family Science (HDFS) within A&S.

Razza’s appointment underscores A&S’ commitment to the growth and success of HDFS programs, research and community impact, while providing exceptional learning opportunities for both graduate and undergraduate students. She played a pivotal role in planning this transition, co-chairing the Human Dynamics Task Force that developed the consolidation plan with faculty input.

In addition to overseeing the integration of the HDFS department into A&S, Razza will lead, direct and implement the College's interdisciplinary initiatives, collaborate with chairs and program directors in program planning and assessment, forge partnerships and advocate for flexible pathways across the University, and manage and advance dual and combined degree majors and 4+1 programs. She will also oversee A&S’ Integrated Learning Majors (ILM), which combine traditional majors with multidisciplinary coursework in emerging fields such as citizenship and civic engagement, sustainability and policy and health humanities.

“I am thrilled to be part of this new journey with A&S, where I will be able to foster the growth of the HDFS department and advance the success of interdisciplinary programs and initiatives in the College,” Razza says. “This transition represents a unique opportunity to enhance our research and community impact, and to provide exceptional learning experiences for our students in an integrated academic environment that embraces strategic collaborations and multidisciplinary coursework.”

“We are grateful to be joined by a leader and scholar of Professor Razza’s caliber,” says Behzad Mortazavi, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “She will facilitate a smooth transition for the Department of Human Development and Family Science, whose incoming programs align with one of A&S’ main pillars, health and well-being. I’m excited about the fresh infusion of expertise and ideas that HDFS faculty, staff and students will bring. Their research and scholarship will complement our work in areas such as psychology and communication sciences and disorders.”

Razza brings invaluable experience to A&S, having joined Syracuse University in 2007. She has been recognized as a Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor for Teaching Excellence, and serves as a Lerner Center Faculty Research Affiliate in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. She holds a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in human development and family studies from The Pennsylvania State College University and was a postdoctoral fellow in developmental psychology at the National Center for Children and Families, Teachers College, Columbia University.

Her research focuses on the biological and contextual factors that promote self-regulation among children, the benefits of mindfulness-based programs for promoting resilience in schools and communities, especially those exposed to trauma and/or poverty, and the cognitive, social-emotional and neural mechanisms of mindfulness-based practice. Razza has published numerous papers on related topics in journals such as Mindfulness, Child Development and Journal of Child and Family Studies.

“We look forward to Professor Razza’s leadership in preparing our students to be successful professionals whose work will benefit the local community and beyond,” adds Mortazavi.

Razza’s position takes effect on July 1, 2025.