Dr. Benny Chan, Ph.D., a distinguished teacher-scholar in inorganic chemistry, was appointed Dean of the School of Theoretical and Applied Science (TAS) at Ramapo College of New Jersey in Mahwah, New Jersey, effective July 1.
The Chemistry Chair and professor of chemistry at The College of New Jersey in Ewing, NJ, Dr. Chan brings a keen understanding of the liberal arts and sciences to Ramapo College. He has been widely recognized for his contributions to STEM education and was a co-principal investigator of numerous grants awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). His most recent longitudinal study explored the role of qualitative evidence in creating and sustaining student-centered teaching cultures.
He has made wide-ranging contributions to the American Chemical Society (ACS), where he has been an active member since 2008. In 2020, he was named a fellow of ACS for his pioneering work in solid-state chemistry, and his deep commitment to mentoring the next generation of scientists.
He has mentored more than 30 undergraduate students, many from economically disadvantaged or historically underrepresented backgrounds in STEM. Most recently, he led the development of the workshop “The Science of Managing Diverse and Inclusive Teams,” which is now part of the ACS leadership development program.
“Dr. Chan’s leadership in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and securing external funding for research initiatives provide strong experience to lead our School of Theoretical and Applied Science in expanding its impact within Ramapo and in the community,” said Ramapo College Provost Michael Middleton.
“Dr. Chan has also demonstrated a deep commitment to academic excellence, student success, and community engagement throughout his career. Those values embody the mission and goals of Ramapo and will contribute to achieving national distinction as a public liberal arts college,” Middleton added.
As dean of the School of Theoretical and Applied Science (TAS), Chan will provide strategic and academic leadership for the school, guiding its 34 diverse undergraduate and graduate programs including biochemistry and chemistry, cybersecurity, nursing, and other related academic programs in the natural and environmental sciences.
The school is also home to the Center for Data, Mathematical, and Computational Sciences. Chan will collaborate with faculty, staff, and college leadership to support excellence in teaching, research, and student success, while advancing innovative curricular and co-curricular initiatives. He will play a key role in faculty recruitment and development, undergraduate research, program assessment, resource management, and external partnerships, including industry and community engagement.
As a member of Ramapo College’s academic leadership team, Dean Chan will help shape institutional priorities and promote the mission of a public liberal arts college committed to inclusive excellence and interdisciplinary learning.
“I am ecstatic to be a Roadrunner by combining my love of the liberal arts education and serving the State of New Jersey,” said Chan. ” There is huge potential for the hidden gem that is Ramapo to reach national recognition through high-impact teaching and mentoring of TAS students.”
To bring this to fruition, Chan will build upon the tight-knit community and mentorship for which Ramapo is known by working with colleagues on creative curricula, engaging classrooms, scholarly research, extracurricular activities, and advising.
Chan is also a strong advocate of being student-focused. “We can’t do this without centering our amazing Ramapo students so they can achieve their career goals and become strong, ethical problem solvers who will impact the world in positive ways using their scientific training,” he added.
This vision aligns with the Ramapo College strategic plan, Boldly Ascending.
Dr. Edward T. Saiff, who serves as interim dean and joined the Ramapo College faculty in 1972, will be succeeded by Chan. Saiff has been and will continue to be part of the Ramapo community as he rejoins the faculty in the Department of Biology.
Dr. Chan earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from The Pennsylvania State University in 2003, and his B.A. in Chemistry with honors from Franklin and Marshall College in 1996.
About Ramapo College
Ramapo College of New Jersey is a public liberal arts college committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The comprehensive college is situated among the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, is within commuting distance to New York City, was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by CondeNast Traveler, and boasts the best on-campus housing in New Jersey per Niche.com.
Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.