Youngstown State University announced that with the resignation of current Cliffe College Dean Phyllis Paul, Amy Cossentino, associate provost and dean of the Sokolov Honors College, will serve as the next dean of the Cliffe College of Creative Arts.

The appointment takes effect July 1, 2026. Beginning Jan. 1, 2026, Cossentino and Paul will work together to ensure a smooth transition through the end of the academic year.

In recent years, Cliffe College has experienced significant momentum, marked by increasing enrollment growth, expanded strategic academic offerings and a deepening presence in the region’s arts and cultural community. The college has strengthened collaborations with local schools, arts organizations and community partners, ensuring students receive real-world learning opportunities while contributing meaningfully to the region’s creative economy. This upward trajectory positions the college for even greater impact in the years ahead.

“Cliffe College plays a vital role in our region’s cultural and creative landscape,” said Jennifer Pintar, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Dr. Cossentino’s deep knowledge of the university, her passion for experiential learning and her strong ties across the community make her exceptionally well-suited to lead the college into its next chapter. She is the right leader to build upon Cliffe’s strong foundation, and I’m grateful for her willingness to step into this expanded role. I have every confidence in her ability to advance Cliffe’s mission and impact.”

Cossentino, who also leads the Division of Experiential Learning and Engagement, brings more than 35 years of higher education experience and a long record of advancing community partnership and student success. She oversees the Sokolov Honors College, the Office of Community Engagement and the Tressel Institute for Leadership & Teamwork, guiding initiatives that connect YSU students with high-impact learning experiences.

Pintar also expressed appreciation to Paul, who will step down as dean at the end of the academic year. “We are deeply thankful for Dr. Paul’s years of service and her dedicated leadership of Cliffe College,” Pintar said. “Her commitment to our students, faculty and programs is to be commended and underscores her commitment to advancing the mission and honoring the history of the arts at YSU.”

Cossentino has served in both academic and administrative positions since beginning her career at YSU in 1990. A champion of community-engaged teaching and learning, she has strengthened partnerships that benefit both the university and the region. She holds a doctorate in educational studies and was the founding dean of the Sokolov Honors College.

Paul, who joined YSU in 2015 as dean and professor, came to the university after 13 years at the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance, where she served as associate dean and director of graduate and undergraduate studies.