After over four decades of dedicated service to the College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) at Syracuse University, Professor Gerald Greenberg is retiring at the end of 2025. He transitioned from his role as A&S senior associate dean for academic affairs; humanities; and curriculum, instruction and programs at the end of June and will continue supporting the College and the dean’s office through the fall semester. Karen Doherty, a professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD), assumed the role of senior associate dean on July 1, after previously serving as A&S’ associate dean for faculty affairs.

Honoring a Dedicated Leader

Greenberg leaves a remarkable legacy defined by intellectual curiosity, administrative excellence and an unwavering commitment to the liberal arts. He joined the Syracuse faculty in 1985 as a professor of Russian and linguistics, bringing with him a deep academic foundation in Russian and Slavic linguistics. He received an M.A. and Ph.D. in Slavic linguistics from Cornell University, and prior to that, bachelor’s degrees in Russian (linguistics) and mathematics from Bucknell University. While his time at SU was marked by a passion for teaching and researching language and linguistics, it was his ability to lead and support units throughout A&S that would define much of his career.

From 1997 to 2003, Greenberg served as chair of the Department of Languages, Literatures and Linguistics. His service also stretched far beyond his home department, exemplifying his collaborative spirit and readiness to assist wherever needed. Over the years, he was also interim chair or director for many A&S departments and units including English, Philosophy, Religion, Women’s and Gender Studies, Writing and Rhetoric, African American Studies, Linguistic Studies and the Syracuse University Humanities Center.

That willingness to serve led to a series of pivotal administrative roles. In 2003, he was appointed associate dean for humanities at A&S under then-Dean Cathryn R. Newton. In 2008, he served briefly as interim co-dean of the College, and in 2009, he was named senior associate dean for academic affairs and humanities. In this role, he was instrumental in shaping academic policy and supporting both faculty and students by overseeing academic programs, assisting with strategic planning and faculty affairs, guiding curriculum development and implementation, and contributing in whatever capacity he was able to support College or University functions and initiatives.

An integral member of the A&S dean’s office for the past two decades, Greenberg served as a trusted advisor to Newton and subsequent deans George Langford, Karin Ruhlandt, Lois Agnew and Behzad Mortazavi. He helped each leader implement their vision and navigate the complexities of the University's largest, most academically diverse college.

“It has been an honor and privilege to work with Gerry,” says A&S Dean Behzad Mortazavi. “From his detailed knowledge of A&S as senior associate dean and interim chair of multiple departments to his quick wit to his trademark sartorial accessories, Gerry always brought so much to the table every day. I am profoundly grateful for his many years of invaluable, expert and unwavering service to the College, and I wish him a very happy, very well-deserved retirement.”

A steadfast proponent of the liberal arts, Greenberg promoted their value on national platforms. He published a trilogy of essays in The Washington Post and appeared on NPR’s Enrolled podcast, where he articulated the value of a well-rounded education rooted in creativity, critical thinking and cultural awareness. He notes that much of this work was shaped by his service on the Board of Directors for the Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences, which he credits as pivotal to his understanding and appreciation of the liberal arts.

A celebration for Greenberg is being planned for early in the fall semester. More details will be shared soon about the event and how colleagues can share their memories.

Meet Karen Doherty

Doherty brings nearly 30 years of experience in A&S. She joined CSD in 1996 and has taught a range of courses on hearing aids, hearing science and clinical audiology. She has also helped to strengthen the University’s neuroscience program and has been an active member of the Aging Studies Institute.

Her research focuses on understanding how age-related hearing loss affects communication and exploring ways to enhance hearing aid use among older adults. Her work has received support from the NIH’s National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders and National Institute on Aging, the National Organization for Hearing Research, Deafness Research Foundation and several other foundations.

In addition to serving as A&S associate dean for faculty affairs, Doherty has held several other leadership positions at Syracuse and in professional organizations, including serving as chair of CSD from 2014 to 2021, and as president of the Academy of Rehabilitative Audiology in 2021. She is currently a fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and in May 2024, she was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus by the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at the University of Connecticut.

She holds a Ph.D. in audiology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, an M.A. in audiology from the University of Connecticut and a B.S. in communicative disorders from the University of Rhode Island.

“I’m delighted to welcome Professor Doherty to this important role at A&S,” says Mortazavi. “Her extensive experience in faculty mentoring and support—as both a department chair and associate dean for faculty affairs—positions her well to help faculty and students have the resources necessary to tackle the grand challenges of our time.”

Doherty says, “I’m truly honored to serve as senior associate dean and excited for the opportunity to build upon the strong foundation already in place while advancing our shared vision for excellence. I look forward to working alongside the Dean and our exceptional faculty, staff and students to create avenues for the college to excel. I also want to express my sincere respect and gratitude to Gerry for his years of dedicated leadership – his contributions have been invaluable. It’s a privilege to carry forward his legacy of leadership and stewardship.”