Iona College Suspends Provost Over Inaccuracies in Performance Data

Written By: Robert Cox

WR officeIona College has suspended Dr. Warren Rosenberg, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs effective immediately after becoming aware of inaccuracies in student performance data reported to external agencies. Rosenberg is a tenured professor and so still employed by the college. Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences Brian Nickerson has been appointed as interim Provost.

Sister Patricia McGinley, SSJ, Special Executive Assistant to the President & Campus Director told Talk of the Sound she could not discuss details on the nature of the data or the agencies involved or when a report would be issued.

“Hopefully we get this resolved and move on to what we are here do, serving our students, said McGinley.

The college released a statement today disclosing that the school is undergoing a “comprehensive internal investigation by outside legal counsel and commissioned an audit by an independent, third-party accounting firm to determine the nature and scope of the reporting irregularities.” The Provost’s responsible for ensuring that the investigated data and reports to external agencies are true and accurate. All results of the completed audit, according to the statement, will be shared with the faculty, staff, and students. The Board of Legal Trustees and the administration have stated their commitment to take “all steps necessary to uphold the mission and integrity of Iona College, and to serve the interests of students and the Iona community of faculty, staff, alumni and supporters.”

The reporting of inaccurate data by the Provost is just the latest in a series of problems that have come to light over the past year involving senior officials at the private Catholic college in New Rochelle, NY. Founded by the Christian Brothers in 1940, Iona has approximately 3,250 undergraduate students and 4,200 total students. The problem may damage the legacy of recently departed Iona President Brother James A. Liguori, C.F.C.

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Last fall, Talk of the Sound broke the news that $800,000 was missing and that two Iona College employees had been fired.

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Brother Ligouri stirred up a great deal of controversy with his proposal to building a dormitory on the site of the old Mayflower School in New Rochelle.

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The dorm proposal was withdrawn after it came to light that the college had packed 150 extra students into its existing dorms, in violation of local building and fire codes.

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According to his LinkedIn Profile, Rosenberg is a Professor of Biology and previously served as Acting President at Iona college (2003-04) and as Dean for the School of Arts & Science at Iona College (1994-2001). He received his Ph.D. in Biology and Physiology from New York University in 1981. Rosenberg is also a professional photographer and Board Member of the Westchester Photographic Society.

Iona College has removed from college’s web site a message from Dr. Rosenberg: Message from the Provost

This is an exciting time in the history of Iona College. We continue to revitalize both our academic and co-curricular programs and improve the physical facilities in which they take place. Renovations and new construction in our library, classroom, laboratory, student activity, and residential life facilities – either completed, underway, or in planning – support the nationally-recognized and accredited programs in which our students live and learn.

Iona’s undergraduate students receive a solid education in the liberal arts through our core curriculum while the major fields of study prepare them for careers or further study at the graduate and professional levels. Many of our students take advantage of internship opportunities with major firms in NYC. We also offer a wide range of flexible and accelerated programs to serve working adults who are looking to earn a college degree. Our graduate programs provide opportunities for advanced study in a wide range of professional and traditional academic areas. Our programs in peace and justice education, service learning, and study abroad are providing enrichment opportunities across the curriculum. Our outstanding co-curricular programs in Campus Ministries, Student Activities, Career Development, and Residential Life are offering students a wide variety of activities to complement their academic preparation.

We are committed to providing extraordinary academic opportunities for our students consistent with the traditions of Iona’s mission and identity and are proud of what our students and faculty have accomplished.

Thank you for visiting and please feel free to contact us for additional information.

Warren Rosenberg, PhD
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Full Statement by Iona College

Iona College Reports Inaccuracies in Performance Data

New Rochelle, NY – August 30, 2011 — Iona College recently became aware of inaccuracies in student performance data reported to external agencies. Upon learning of these inaccuracies, the college launched a comprehensive internal investigation by outside legal counsel and commissioned an audit by an independent, third-party accounting firm to determine the nature and scope of the reporting irregularities. The college also has suspended the Provost, who is responsible for ensuring that the investigated data and reports to external agencies are true and accurate.
Once the audit is complete, all results will be shared with the faculty, staff, and students. The Board of Legal Trustees and the administration have stated their commitment to take all steps necessary to uphold the mission and integrity of Iona College, and to serve the interests of students and the Iona community of faculty, staff, alumni and supporters.