Robyn Schiffman joins College of DuPage as new Dean of Liberal Arts

Seasoned educator and academic leader Robyn Schiffman is the new Dean of Liberal Arts at College of DuPage.

"I'm fortunate to be part of a college community in which I'm surrounded by creativity, discovery and new innovations," she said. "Through our work at COD, we get to change the course of life for so many people. It is my goal to lead with compassion so that every student can thrive and reach their highest potential."

Armed with more than 20 years of experience in the higher education landscape, most recently as Dean of Humanities, Fine Arts and Social Sciences at Illinois Valley Community College, Schiffman realized early on in her career that she wanted to work at a community college.

"When I was a literature professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey, I often advised my English students, and I would hear again and again that many transferred from community colleges," she said. "They would always talk to me about that one special person there that helped them find their passion and navigate their way. Sometimes it was a cashier, a librarian, an advisor or a coach. I began to think about what special places community colleges must be and set about to try and get hired at one."

Schiffman holds a master's degree and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago in Comparative Literature and Humanities, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Women's Studies from Trinity College.

"Hallmarks of Robyn's storied career in academic leadership roles have been her commitment to diversity, to mentoring and to finding meaningful avenues for interdisciplinary collaboration," said COD President Dr. Brian Caputo. "Robyn's expertise will help the division continue the good work that it already has accomplished and its vision moving forward."

As she acclimates to the College, Schiffman aims to continue to move the Transitional English Pilot program forward and expand dual credit opportunities for area high school students. In addition, she will focus on evolving curriculum and examining content through a lens of diversity, equity and inclusion.

"I want to make sure our curriculum has evolved so that we are teaching our students to ask better questions by trusting reputable sources so that they can be smart consumers of cultural products and artifacts," she said. "I have already learned that I have a great team of staff and faculty who are eager and ready to do this hard but crucial work."