Susan Piliero, associate professor in the Department of Education, is the new director of the Center for Learning and Teaching (CLT) at Cornell University. She was appointed in July.

Piliero has taken a leave from her work with the education department in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), in order to pursue the CLT directorship.

"Susan brings very rich experience in teaching and learning through her many years of working with undergraduate and graduate students," said David S. Yeh, assistant vice president and university registrar in student and academic services. "She possesses a deep commitment and understanding of working with students with special educational needs and requirements, working one-on-one and in groups."

The CLT was created when the Learning Skills (now Learning Strategies) Center and the Office of Instructional Support merged in 1998. Today's CLT includes: the Learning Strategies Center, the International Teaching Assistant Training Program (ITATP), Instructional Support, and Student Disability Services. The offices are on the fourth floor of the Computing and Communications Center.

A familiar face at the CLT, Piliero has worked with many staff and students as a teacher, adviser and member of several standing faculty committees and task forces. Most recently, she served as chair of CALS Faculty Senate. She will continue to play a role in the education department and the college as a member of committees and the senate and through participation in the TEAMS (Teacher Education in Agriculture, Mathematics and Science) program, advising and involvement with Education 115.

Piliero has served on two standing college committees created to help improve the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority students, and support teaching and learning in CALS. More recently, she participated in the CALS Academic Program Review, analyzing data from surveys of students, faculty and alumni on such issues as advising and counseling, experiential learning, faculty development, human diversity and quantitative literacy.

"I am honored to be part of the Center for Learning and Teaching," Piliero said. "And I look forward to working toward its mission of promoting a culture of learning that ensures the highest quality education for its diverse student body."

Piliero received the hearty support of her faculty and staff colleagues in both the department and college, Yeh said. And, he expressed his gratitude for the support, encouragement and enthusiasm of David Monk, the chair of the Education Department; Daryl Lund, CALS dean; and Brian Chabot, associate dean, whose involvement and endorsement ensured the appointment.