Higher Education Leader Named Ramapo College Chief Academic Officer

MAHWAH, NJ — A renowned scholar with a wealth of professional experience in higher education will serve as chief academic officer at Ramapo College in Mahwah.

Michael Middleton, a recipient of multiple teaching awards, will step into the role as Provost and Vice President for Teaching, Learning and Growth in May, according to a news release.

Middleton will join Ramapo from Hunter College, a constituent college of the City University of New York, where he was an endowed dean at the School of Education. While at Hunter, he also helped form a center for social emotional learning, and initiated programming on race and equity.

“What most attracted me to Ramapo is the emphasis on leader development, student success, and the liberal arts as an engine for personal, professional, and civic growth,” Middleton said.

Middleton, who has a doctoral degree in combined education and psychology, has enjoyed administrative and faculty roles with the University of Massachusetts Boston, Harvard University, University of New Hampshire and George Mason University. He is co-author of an teaching reference book titled "Motivation to Learn: Transforming Classroom Culture to Support Student Achievement."

"... it is exciting to bring Dr. Middleton — an inspiring educator, research scientist and leader — onto our leadership team," Ramapo College president Cindy Jebb said. "We look forward to welcoming (Middleton)."