Most recently, Dr. Bazile worked as interim chief student affairs officer and dean of students at Lehman College, collaborating with the provost to create a social, physical, and organizational environment that advanced the institution's educational mission. Previously, he held academic dean positions at Kingsborough Community College and St. John's University.

"There is little doubt that Dr. Bazile's creative, student-centered higher education experience will be invaluable to ensuring St. Francis College delivers on its commitment to its students so each of them can dream, serve and achieve here," said President Martinez-Saenz.

At St. Francis College, Dr. Bazile will oversee the Division of Student Affairs including the areas of campus life and student activities, health and wellness promotion, residence life, student conduct and the career center. He will serve as the most senior liaison between the College's more than 2,500 students and the institution.

"I believe St. Francis College is the most mission critical institution of higher learning in the borough of Brooklyn," said Dr. Bazile. "Our reputation as a college that facilitates access to social and economic mobility is well documented. Now more than ever, as calls for accountability increase and college leaders recognize that the opportunities they provide go largely unrealized unless students earn credentials, the virtues fostered by the Franciscan Brothers are needed."

Dr. Bazile officially begins work at St. Francis College on January 19, 2021, one day prior to the start of spring 2021 semester. His appointment comes after a nationwide search.

"On behalf of the Student Government Association, I'm excited to welcome Dr. Bazile to our St. Francis College community," said Michael Conlon '21, president of SFC Student Government Association, who was involved in the search process. "It has been a privilege getting to know Dr. Bazile in recent months. His commitment to the students of SFC is unmatched. I cannot wait for students to interact with Dr. Bazile and get to know him as I have. I'm excited to work closely with him to help students succeed, while continuing to foster an environment of community, transparency and support for Terriers of today and tomorrow!"

Dr. Bazile received his doctorate in educational leadership from Pennsylvania State University, was a doctoral fellow at the University of California at Berkeley and received both his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Social Work at Stony Brook University. In 2019, he was a graduate of the inaugural CUNY-Harvard Consortium cohort, where he studied management and leadership in education.

"As a proud Brooklyn native and graduate of Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, the first high school in the Diocese of Brooklyn, I know firsthand how attending an environment where its principles are rooted in truth and personal authenticity can catapult an individual to navigate this world through moral values, social responsibility, and life-long learning," said Dr. Bazile. "I can think of no greater honor than to serve as the chief student affairs officer and dean of students at the epicenter where diversity, inclusion and equity are seen as ingredients for excellence. Go Terriers!"