Touro University Appoints New Dean for Graduate School of Education

Higher Ed Leader Dr. Nelly Lejter Morales to Expand Reach, Strengthen Student Success

March 23, 2023
Dr. Nelly Lejter Morales
Dr. Nelly Lejter Morales

(New York, NY)—Dr. Nelly C. Lejter Morales was appointed Dean of the Graduate School of Education (GSE) at Touro University, Dr. Alan Kadish, Touro President, announced today. Dr. Lejter joined Touro in July 2022 as Associate Provost of the Graduate and Professional Divisions and had been serving as the Interim Dean of the GSE since September of 2022.

“As Interim GSE Dean, Dr. Lejter focused on student success and worked closely with faculty and staff to implement new, student-centered initiatives that are improving the quality of all GSE programs,” said President Kadish. “Dr. Lejter is the right person to lead our Graduate School of Education into the future.”

In her new role, Dr. Lejter will implement strategies to grow the breadth and reach of Touro GSE’s high quality educational programs and strengthen Touro’s commitment to student success.

“These are challenging times for educators nationwide, and it is a privilege to be working with mission-centered, devoted, knowledgeable and insightful faculty and staff. I am honored by the vote of confidence in my ability to lead such a strong community of scholars and practitioners,” said Dr. Lejter.

"Dr. Lejter is a proven leader who has contributed to the growth and quality of graduate education programs throughout her career. She has worked collaboratively with program directors and faculty to develop online, hybrid and low residency programs for teacher preparation, school counseling, school leadership and school psychology, among other disciplines. Her unique skills, and her collaborative and innovative approach, will further strengthen GSE and Touro’s excellent graduate and professional programs,” said Dr. Patricia Salkin, Senior VP for Academic Affairs and Provost for the Graduate and Professional Divisions.

Dr. Lejter served previously as Associate Dean of The Graduate School at Montclair State University and had numerous roles at New England College including Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies and Dean of Accreditation, Assessment and Academic effectiveness. In addition to serving as Touro University’s GSE Dean, Dr. Lejter will take on a new role as Associate Provost for Special Projects for the Graduate and Professional Divisions.

Dr. Lejter is a sociologist who earned both her master's and Ph.D. degrees at Brown University.