County College of Morris names new liberal arts dean

RANDOLPH – The board of trustees at County College of Morris has appointed Bruce P. Dutra from Mott Community College in Flint, Michigan, as dean of the Division of Liberal Arts, effective August 12.

At Mott, Dutra served as special assistant to the vice president of academic affairs since 201, and professor and coordinator of the philosophy discipline since 1999. He also served as interim dean of science and mathematics and interim dean of humanities.

During his time at Mott, he led two academic quality improvement programs to improve student success and retention, served on the college’s Guided Pathways Leadership Council and assisted with the revamping of the college’s general education requirements. A native of Vineland, he has taught at Drew University in Madison, Montclair State University and Raritan Valley Community College in Branchburg.

Dutra replaces Keith Smith who has served as dean since 2008. Smith, who started at CCM as professor of visual arts in 1995, will be rejoining the faculty.

“We’re delighted that Dr. Dutra has accepted the position of dean,” said CCM President Edward J. Yaw. “He possesses extensive community college experience as both a faculty member and administrator and the leadership skills that are sure to lead to additional innovations and success within the Division of Liberal Arts.”

“I’m really excited about joining CCM and contributing my experience so the college can continue to grow as a thriving institution of higher education,” said Dutra. “I have a deep passion for community colleges and their mission of providing opportunities for lifetime success.”

The Division of Liberal Arts is comprised of the Departments of Communication; English and Philosophy; History and Political Science; Languages and ESL; Music, Dance and Performing Arts; Psychology and Education; Sociology, Economics and Anthropology; and Visual Arts.

Dutra earned his Ph.D. and M.A. in philosophy from Purdue University, and his B.A. in philosophy and political science from the University of Delaware.

He was presented with the Mott Community College Faculty and Staff Award in 2007 for his work to make symbolic logical languages more accessible for visually impaired students and in 2001 for a multi-media CD-ROM for use in critical thinking courses.

He is active in a number of professional associations, including the American Philosophical Association and the National Council of Instructional Administrators.