MichaelPardalesSaint Joseph’s College has appointed Dr. Michael Pardales, of Buffalo, N.Y., as its new vice president and chief learning officer. Dr. Pardales joined the College on July 15 from Canisius College in Buffalo, where he was the dean of education and human services.

A graduate of Michigan State University, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s in philosophy, Dr. Pardales also holds a doctorate in educational psychology from the university. In addition, he earned a master’s of education in philosophy for children from Montclair State University.

Dr. Pardales’ background demonstrates a dedication to academic leadership and support for the intellectual health of a college community. His past roles include chairing the education department and the General Education Curriculum Advisory Committee at the University of Michigan-Flint, in addition to being the director of its graduate programs. Dr. Pardales is also an accomplished author of numerous scholarly papers and a noted professor.

At Saint Joseph’s, Dr. Pardales will ensure the quality and intellectual integrity of the College’s learning community continues to thrive.

Dr. Pardales joins the College at a pivotal time in its history. Beginning its second century as Maine’s only Catholic college, Saint Joseph’s is in a new planning cycle to develop a forward-thinking, proactive organizational culture. Dr. Pardales will support the College’s mission, core values, strategic goals and intellectual growth across its two academic mediums: the traditional, on-campus student body and those studying online.

“This is a unique opportunity for both Dr. Pardales and the College,” says President Dr. James Dlugos. “By hiring a chief learning officer – a first for the College – we have dedicated ourselves to fostering the most comprehensive and complementary academic environment possible. Dr. Pardales will oversee the delivery and management of our innovative programs so that our students, whether on-campus or online, get the most out of our career-focused and personalized educational experience. And Dr. Pardales’ experience speaks volumes to this kind of leadership.”