After a distinguished thirty-three year career at Saint Joseph’s University in Philadelphia (SJU), Dr. Paul L. DeVito becomes Saint Xavier University Provost effective July 1st, 2013.
Beginning his career as an assistant professor of Psychology after graduate school in 1980, DeVito currently holds many positions at SJU including Professor of Psychology, Vice Provost of Academic Affairs and Dean of the College of Professional and Liberal Studies.
Recently, the Xavierite conducted an interview with DeVito and asked him about his new position regarding his thoughts, plans and changes.
Q: How does it feel to leave Saint Joseph’s after building a distinguished career there?
“It is a very bittersweet time for me. I have had a wonderful career at SJU where I learned a great deal, made many acquaintances and close friends, and generally enjoyed my life and career. On the other hand, although I [have]accomplished much at SJU, I felt I had more to contribute in service to mission-based higher education and the opportunity to come to Saint Xavier as Provost gives me that opportunity at a higher level. Leaving Philadelphia is also bittersweet in that it is where our son Zach was born and raised. However he now lives in Palo Alto, CA as a graduate student in Computer Science at Stanford. Living in Chicago is almost halfway there!”
Q: What originally inspired you to take the Provost position at Saint Xavier University?
“Many things played into that decision. First, I am truly impressed with the direction President Wiseman is leading the university as documented in Plan 2017. That plan, which was developed in close collaboration with faculty, staff, students and trustees, sets very positive and attainable goals well within the mission and vision of the university. Second, after visiting the campus on two occasions I was impressed by the warm welcome from all I met and their commitment to student learning and development. Students were also very optimistic and passionate about SXU which speaks very well for the university. Third, I am very dedicated–even passionate–about mission-based higher education and the history and goals of Mercy Higher Education, it resonates very well with me. Lastly, I have always loved visiting Chicago. In fact, I would submit papers to the Midwestern Psychological Association over other regional conventions just to be able to visit Chicago and stay at the Palmer House. Living in Chicago will be exciting for both me and my wife, Rebecca Lipner.”
Q: What does becoming Provost mean to you?
“I am extremely honored, fortunate and humbled to become the Provost of SXU. Further, I am passionate and enthusiastic about the future of mission-based and student-focused higher education. Having this opportunity and responsibility gives me another way to serve students, faculty, staff and my profession.”
Q:What are your plans for academics at Saint Xavier?
“Mostly to support the goals identified in Plan 2017–achieve, support and maintain accreditation for all colleges and programs; introduce a greater number of international students studying on the SXU campus and finding additional affordable opportunities for SXU students to study abroad; explore additional online courses and programs where it is pedagogically appropriate; working with faculty and deans to identify new areas of study not yet available to SXU students all the while supporting and enhancing the existing programs; explore additional internship and co-opp opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students.”
Q:What are your ideas on incorporating technology in the classroom?
“I have always had a fondness for technology in support of pedagogy. In fact, at SJU my colleagues in psychology and I built the first department intranet and created a laptop program for students that was coordinated with the psychology curriculum in each class. This was in the early 1990s! Today I am intrigued by mobile devices and cloud platforms—iPads, Google Scholar, Dropbox, etc.–and how these new technologies can enhance the student learning experience. I know that SXU is presently experimenting with iPad applications in various settings and I am very interested in seeing those results. It is clear to me that technology is important only if it supports effective pedagogy.”
Q:In your opinion, what are Saint Xavier’s strengths?
“The strengths are numerous–I am attracted to Saint Xavier University by its academic quality best demonstrated through its Mercy heritage, an impressive list of national and regional accreditations and its diverse array colleges covering a wide spectrum of disciplines and professions. Further, the strategic direction of student-centeredness, intellectual engagement, and leadership connections amongst the liberal arts and professional education—all while building resources for the future in order to provide educational excellence in an affordable, sustainable basis—resonates well with my personal goals and professional experience. Additionally, it is clear that there is a very strong and dedicated faculty, staff, and administration totally committed to student learning and development.”
Q:What are some of Saint Xavier’s weaknesses or challenges?
“The challenges for SXU are similar to those at most mission-based comprehensive universities–finding ways to maintain strong enrollment levels while keeping tuition levels reasonable and financial aid attainable for all who seek to study at SXU in a very competitive landscape; supporting efforts to enhance the physical plant of the university in support of the educational experience both inside and outside of the classroom. I do understand that plans are in process to build a new science center and student union which will be excellent and important additions to the campus. Finally, finding ways to enhance the overall student experience so students are successful in completing their studies and able to find appropriate employment opportunities.”
Q:Where do you see Saint Xavier in four years and what do you hope to accomplish in those four years?
“Working towards attaining the goals identified in Plan 2017. It is a great “blueprint” for the future of SXU. I look forward to working with faculty, deans, staff, and administration in jointly identifying additional goals to work towards.”
Q:What do you hope Saint Xavier will provide for you?
“A new ‘home’ where service to the greater good is endorsed and nurtured for all constituents.”
Q:Do you have a life motto that you would like to share with the students?
“Find your passion, follow your passion and you will make a difference. Paraphrasing Steve Jobs, ‘Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.’”
Q:What do you like to do with your free time?
“I love to garden–herbs, vegetables, flowers, etc–Maybe we can build an urban garden at SXU soon? I also love to cook and dabble in various cuisines–I make a “killer” cappuccino!! I enjoy moderate exercise and I attempt to play golf but with not much success!!”
Q:Any last thoughts or comments that you would like to tell the students?
“My family has told me that I never ‘left’ school and my life is coordinated with the academic calendar! So expect to see me on campus participating in all of the activities that are available from academic, cultural, athletic, etc. Further, tell them I can’t wait to meet them and my door will always be open for conversation.”
DeVito mentions that plans for Fall 2013 have not been discussed yet, but he welcomes students to ask him in August, because he will have an answer.
Nermeen Shaabneh
News Editor