FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Sacred Heart University is establishing a new School of Computing. The School will house two graduate programs—master’s in computer science and information technology and master’s in cybersecurity—and four undergraduate programs: computer science, information technology, game design and development, and beginning in the fall of 2017, computer engineering.
“We’ve seen tremendous growth in computer science enrollment,” said Robin Cautin, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. “We’re making a strategic investment to reflect the University’s commitment to academic excellence and distinctiveness among Catholic institutions in the Northeast, particularly in regard to the STEM fields.”
Professor Domenick Pinto, chair of the computer science department, has been named director of the new school. “Our department had put together a strategic plan this summer and, based on the breadth of our programs, we set a goal to become a School of Computing in the future,” Pinto said. “I was very pleased that the University decided to make this a reality so soon, and I am especially honored that I have been asked to be the founding director of the School.”
Pinto said the new school will position SHU as a leader in the computing field. “I am so proud of the faculty and staff and all their accomplishments,” he said. “I’m especially proud of the students and their achievements academically and professionally as alumni. I expect our school to stand out as one of the best in the Northeast.”
Rupdendra Paliwal, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said, “As demand for computing talent continues to rise, establishment of the School of Computing represents our strong commitment and prioritized initiatives to expand academic offerings in the fields of computing. With enhanced resources, we will continue to develop cutting-edge curricula to give our students competitive advantage.”
In the next few months, SHU will conduct searches for several new tenure-track faculty positions in the School of Computing.
PHOTO CAPTION: Sacred Heart University School of Computing Professor Frances Grodzinsky, left, works with students on their senior project proposals during a class. Photo by Tracy Deer-Mirek 9/29/16