The College of Arts and Sciences (A&S) welcomes Rachel Vicente '12 and Patricia Arundel '87 to its Dean's Advisory Board (DAB). The two A&S alumni join a board that serves as a strategic resource for Dean Behzad Mortazavi and the College, offering guidance on priorities, partnerships and the future direction of A&S.

"Rachel and Patricia demonstrate how an Arts and Sciences education prepares you not just for a career, but for a life of meaningful impact," says Mortazavi. "I look forward to the perspectives and energy they bring to the board."

Meet the new DAB members:

Patricia Arundel '87

Arundel is a senior technology executive with more than 20 years of experience scaling and commercializing technology businesses at Google and Microsoft. Her work has focused on translating emerging technology — particularly AI and digital platforms — into revenue growth, market expansion and strategic partnerships. An English major at A&S, she also holds an MBA from Emory University's Goizueta Business School, an MIT certification in AI implications for business strategy, and a Google AI certification. Arundel serves on the National Advisory Council of America On Tech, which supports the development of future technology leaders from traditionally underrepresented communities, and has held multiple leadership roles with the Executive Women of Goizueta Business School. A breast cancer survivor, she is also an active fundraiser and advocate for breast cancer research and patient care. Arundel lives in Marietta, Georgia.

"Joining the Dean's Advisory Board at Syracuse University allows me to honor my A&S roots by championing the enduring value of a liberal arts education in an increasingly tech-driven world," Arundel says. "It is a meaningful opportunity to leverage my professional leadership experience to support the next generation of thinkers and ensure the College of Arts and Sciences continues to thrive as a cornerstone of the University."

Rachel Vicente '12

Based in Miami, Vicente is the CEO and founder of Rachel Vicente Consulting, where she partners with mission-driven leaders and organizations on leadership transitions and building people-centered, values-aligned cultures. A certified executive coach with more than a decade of experience across education, nonprofit and social impact sectors, she studied biochemistry at A&S and has since built a practice known for creating reflective spaces that support clarity, alignment and sustainable leadership. She spent nearly a decade coaching teachers, senior leaders and educational organizations on culturally responsive practices, work she says produced 100% satisfaction ratings from coaches and 95% retention among teachers she trained. That experience led her to broaden her focus — launching her consulting practice to help leaders and organizations across sectors create environments where people can show up as their full, authentic selves. Her connection to Syracuse runs deep through her family — her sister Pearl Vicente '07 G'08 and brother Roger Vicente '10 are both University alumni.

"My connection to Syracuse began over two decades ago when I first visited campus with my sister Pearl, and I've been deeply moved by the University's commitment to students and their learning ever since," Vicente says. "I look forward to serving as a thoughtful advisor and advocate, contributing to the College's strategic priorities while supporting initiatives that deepen student growth and invest in the next generation of leaders."

Learn more about the Dean's Advisory Board.