Long-time Professor Named Interim Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences

June 8, 2026

St. John Fisher University has announced the appointment of Dr. Melissa Ghera as interim dean of the School of Arts and Sciences effective June 6.

Ghera joined the Fisher community as a faculty member in the fall of 2007. She serves as a professor and was named associate dean for the School of Arts and Sciences in January of 2021. As associate dean, she has directed the implementation and monitoring of the University’s general education Core Curriculum, while also overseeing faculty development and curricular activities. Additionally, she stewarded the creation and launch of the athletic performance major, and mentored and advised all new interdisciplinary studies majors.

“Dr. Ghera has demonstrated a continuing commitment to serving the students, faculty, and staff of Fisher throughout her time at the University. I am confident her leadership will guide the School of Arts and Sciences through this next phase of growth and development,” said President Gerard J. Rooney.

A developmental psychologist by training, Ghera’s research examines social-emotional development and mindfulness across the lifespan, specifically focusing on mindfulness as a tool for student resilience. Her expertise has been recognized by the National Science Foundation (NSF), where she was a social science researcher for an S-STEM grant. She also currently serves as a mindfulness expert on a second NSF grant.

“It is an honor to be a member of this University and have the opportunity to be part of the institution’s leadership history; especially one who calls the directions of the Basilian tradition into action,” said Ghera. “I hope, as interim dean, I can serve students, faculty, and staff well. Working together, we can do good for all.”

Ghera previously served as the director of student academic success and was chair of the Department of Psychology for six years. In these roles she increased programmatic visibility through the creation of new program connections, led the department through a curriculum redesign, and facilitated faculty training in innovative course delivery modalities.

She holds a Ph.D. in human development from the University of Maryland, College Park, as well as an M.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in Psychology and exercise science from Concordia University Chicago.

Long-time Professor Named Interim Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences 2026-06-08T09:42:00-04:00 St. John Fisher University has announced the appointment of Dr. Melissa Ghera as interim dean of the School of Arts and Sciences effective June 6. Ghera joined the Fisher community as a faculty member in the fall of 2007. She serves as a professor and was named associate dean for the in January of 2021. As associate dean, she has directed the implementation and monitoring of the University’s general education Core Curriculum, while also overseeing faculty development and curricular activities. Additionally, she stewarded the creation and launch of the athletic performance major, and mentored and advised all new interdisciplinary studies majors. “Dr. Ghera has demonstrated a continuing commitment to serving the students, faculty, and staff of Fisher throughout her time at the University. I am confident her leadership will guide the School of Arts and Sciences through this next phase of growth and development,” said President Gerard J. Rooney. A developmental psychologist by training, Ghera’s research examines social-emotional development and mindfulness across the lifespan, specifically focusing on mindfulness as a tool for student resilience. Her expertise has been recognized by the National Science Foundation (NSF), where she was a social science researcher for an S-STEM grant. She also currently serves as a mindfulness expert on a second NSF grant. “It is an honor to be a member of this University and have the opportunity to be part of the institution’s leadership history; especially one who calls the directions of the Basilian tradition into action,” said Ghera. “I hope, as interim dean, I can serve students, faculty, and staff well. Working together, we can do good for all.” Ghera previously served as the director of student academic success and was chair of the Department of Psychology for six years. In these roles she increased programmatic visibility through the creation of new program connections, led the department through a curriculum redesign, and facilitated faculty training in innovative course delivery modalities. She holds a Ph.D. in human development from the University of Maryland, College Park, as well as an M.A. in Psychology and a B.A. in Psychology and exercise science from Concordia University Chicago.