Adelphi honors Rockville Centre resident’s service

Provost Gayle Insler is stepping down after 39 years at the school

Posted

Dr. Gayle Insler, a longtime Rockville Centre resident, is stepping down from her post as Provost of Adelphi University. This caps off 39 years of service to the school, which was celebrated in a “Thank You Event” on May 18.

“I feel like I’ve had the opportunity to accomplish a lot and work with really wonderful people,” said Insler. She praised the dedication of the entire faculty and staff, including the grounds people and the clerical staff. “Everybody knows they’re here to make the education experience better for our students,” she added. “I’ve really been struck by the deep commitment of everybody on this campus.”

Insler came to Adelphi in 1977, soon after she received her Ph.D. in Biology, with a specialty in parasitology, from University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She started as assistant professor, was became an associate professor in 1983, and was promoted to professor of biology in 1988. She became the president of the Adelphi chapter of the American Association of University Professors.

After 20 years of teaching, she became the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, during a tumultuous period when the state removed then-President Peter Diamandopoulos.

“As dean, Gayle made it her business to know about art history and creative, as well as theater and dance and music, and a host of other disciplines,” said Steven Rubin, former dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “And as provost she made it her business to learn not only the ‘language’ of nursing and physical education and business and psychology, but to understand the nuances of these disciplines as well.

In 2008, Insler became the Acting Provost, and in the next year, Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs. “The provost is a challenging job because its often where difficult academic decisions are made,” she said. “Provosts frequently find themselves between rocks and hard places. I’ve had good and open communication with everyone: the faculty and president [Christine Riordan], the old president [Robert Scott]. I’m proud of the fact that I have worked across lines for common goals.”

Page 1 / 2