Middle States Evaluation Team and MHEC Representatives

Team Chair

Dr. Joseph McCarthy serves as the Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor at the University of Pittsburgh, where his primary responsibility is for the University’s academic mission, including supporting scholarly excellence among more than 5,900 faculty members and academic success among nearly 34,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students on Pitt’s five campuses. He earned his PhD in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University and his BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame. Prior to his current role, Dr. McCarthy demonstrated progressive leadership at the University of Pittsburgh, serving as Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies and holding key positions in the Chemical Engineering department, including Vice Chair for Education and Undergraduate Coordinator. His comprehensive understanding of academic administration and department-wide educational initiatives makes him uniquely qualified to lead this review team.

Vice Chair

Dr. Carol J. Ruffin is the Director of the Office of Academic and Career Advising at Syracuse University. She holds a EdD in Executive Leadership from St. John Fisher University, and earned both her MS in Education and BS in Marketing from St. John's University. Her career demonstrates progressive leadership in student success initiatives. She was Director of New Student Engagement at Queensborough Community College, Dean of Advisement at Berkeley College - New York, and Director of the Business Institute at Long Island University. Dr. Ruffin's extensive experience in academic advising and student support services adds valuable perspective to the review team.

Mr. Howard C. Buxbaum brings over two decades of experience in higher education financial management to the team. Currently serving as an Adjunct Professor at Baruch College of the City University of New York. He spent the earlier part of his career serving in various policy positions in New York State Government. Mr. Buxbaum has held Chief Financial Officer positions at several prestigious institutions including Bloomfield College, Drew University, and New Jersey City University. He earned his MA in Economics from Binghamton University and his BS in Economics from SUNY New Paltz. His extensive experience in institutional finance and administration is complemented by his significant service to MSCHE, where he has participated in 14 team reviews and served as chair at one time.

Dr. Negar Farakish currently serves as Assistant Dean and Clinical Associate Professor at New York University. Her educational background includes a doctorate in Higher and Post-secondary Education from Teachers College, Columbia University, and an Education Specialist degree in English Education from Georgia Southern University. Dr. Farakish's career spans various leadership roles in academic affairs, including serving as Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of Honors at Union College, Assistant Dean of Developmental Education at Westchester Community College, and Director of Developmental Education at Hudson County Community College. Her expertise in academic administration and developmental education brings valuable insight to the review process.

Dr. Ariel Fishman currently serves as Senior Director of the Office of Institutional Research & Assessment at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He holds a Ph.D. in Management from Columbia University and a BA in Psychology from the University of Pennsylvania. His career includes significant experience in academic planning and institutional research. He has served as AVP for Academic Program Planning at Fordham University and Director of Institutional Research & Analytics as well as Department Chair at Yeshiva University. Dr. Fishman's expertise in data analysis and institutional assessment provides crucial perspective to the evaluation process.

Ms. Jennifer Fogerty is the Associate Provost for Student Affairs at Thomas Jefferson University. She earned her MSEd with a focus on Higher Education from the University of Pennsylvania and her BA in Sociology from Rutgers University. Ms. Fogerty has held several positions at Thomas Jefferson University that included Director, Student Support and Development as well as an academic development specialist. Early in her career Ms. Fogerty was Director of Grant Finance and Administration at Path to Education. Her career has included progressive leadership roles in student support and development, demonstrating her commitment to student success and institutional advancement.

Ms. Lisa Krieg is Associate Vice President for Global Strategic Initiatives and Institutional Accreditation at Carnegie Mellon University She holds an MA in Higher Education Administration from Columbia University's Teachers College and a BA in Asian Studies/History from Cornell University. Ms. Krieg brings extensive experience in international education and enrollment management. Prior to her current position at Carnegie Mellon University, she was Associate Vice President and Director of Enrollment Services as well as Director of the Office of International Education. Early in her career she held positions at Chatham University that included Director of Academic Advising, Assistant director of Admissions, and Foreign Student Advisor. Her career includes significant experience in international education and academic advising that provides a unique perspective to the Middle States Accreditation process.

Dr. Danielle Liautaud-Watkins currently serves as Chief of Staff to the Chancellor at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Her diverse educational background includes a Juris Doctor from Syracuse University, an EdD from William Paterson University, and a BA in Criminal Justice from Seton Hall University. Her career spans various leadership roles throughout higher education. She was the Special Assistant to the President (chief of staff) at Community College of Philadelphia. Prior to that role she held several positions at William Paterson University of New Jersey that included, Associate Provost for Academic Development, Executive Assistant to the Provost, and Director, Graduate Admissions.

Associate Director of Institution Review
Maryland Higher Education Commission

Senior Education Analyst, Institution Review
Maryland Higher Education Commission